The Fountain of Youth

Age is just a number, but THIS is forever 🤓 🧑‍🎓

My mom is getting her master’s degree.

I can’t tell you how proud I am of her hard work and dedication.

Now, I won't tell you her age—she taught me better than that—but I'm 42, and you can do the math.

The “Forever Student” Way of Life

Sally (my mom’s first name, and what I call her) has been a “forever student” for as long as I can remember. Books, courses, retreats, programs—she devours them all.

But for many, being a student belongs to the past—something from our teens, 20s, or 30s before "real life" takes over.

Not me; I’ll be signing up for courses, workshops, and learning experiences for the rest of my life.

I can already see myself at 80, telling my grandkids I just joined a painting class, a new men’s group, or some epic retreat.

Because my soul chose to come to this planet to explore, experience, and express.

Learning keeps us sharp. It keeps us engaged. It keeps us alive and it keeps the connection to our creative spirit strong. Use it or lose it.

Do Sally and I look alike?

It’s Never Too Late to Become a Forever Student

I don’t care how old you are.

I don’t care how experienced you are.

It’s never too late to squeeze more out of this wild, beautiful, human experience.

Where do I begin? Start with 2 questions:

Every year, on their birthdays, I ask my closest friends and family two questions:

1. What new skill did you learn last year?

2. What new skill will you learn this year?

I always aim for one HEAD skill (intellectual) and one BODY skill (physical).

Here are some of mine from the past decade:

HEAD SKILLS (PAST)

• Core Energetics (a therapeutic modality)

• Meditation (creating & teaching)

• Editing films & photos

• Writing (Medium.com and Substack.com)

• Non-Violent Communication

BODY SKILLS (PAST)

• Contact Improv Dance

• Ecstatic Dance

• Squash

• F45 Functional Training

• Cycling/Spinning

Some skills became part of my business—like meditation and photography. That wasn’t my intention, but a beautiful bonus. And others were just for me, just for fun, just because I was curious. Having that balance is key.

Here’s what I’m tackling in 2025 (and how I’m getting there):

HEAD SKILL (FUTURE)

• Upgrading My YouTube Skills. I joined an online training program and an accountability group with fellow YouTube content creators.

BODY SKILL (FUTURE)

• Year 2 of F45 Functional Training. From three days a week, I’m now up to six, learning a ton about my body, nutrition, and even sleep optimization.

Now it’s YOUR turn.

⬅️ Looking Back

Look back at your last decade. What have you explored? What have you learned? Have you balanced your HEAD skills and your BODY skills?

If your list feels short, that’s okay; maybe this exercise is the wake-up call you need.

➡️ Looking Forward

Now, what about this year? What’s one new skill—intellectual or physical—that you want to dive into?

Let’s keep each other accountable. 💪🏽

What’s one of the skills you want to learn in 2025? Hit reply—I'd love to hear from you. All answers are welcome, no matter how big or small you think the skill is. Zero judgment on this end, just love and support.

Big love,

D

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Darius Bashar
HEARTshots™ Photographer + Founder
Artist, Creator, Meditator | ArtistMorning.com™