It was as if he was meant to stride ever so purposely past me. As if the strides he took, the direction he went, was to aim for a purpose. A purpose in life should not be gauged by how big or small it is, it could be a small one time act or a big yearly project. A purpose is a purpose, no matter the impact and no matter whom or what it impacts. The fact that something meaningful and notable was put in your path and destiny is in itself a gift. The reason you will remember it and never forget it, is because it was a purpose intentionally or non-intentionally given and brought forth for you to decipher. Always bring light to the purpose.

This purpose presented itself to me in a form of a riveting and humbling gentleman whom I had the utmost pleasure of meeting and having our paths converge. This particular day I was facing the open waters of the harbor at the local park and as I turn and look around, I see him walking with fervor, a cane in his hand, on a mission. We politely make eye contact and say our pleasantries to each other. I inquire to how he is and he swiftly replies with the decisive comment “As long as I keep walking I am good.”

I relish for a moment in that comment. This gentleman with a Veterans hat on keenly makes me aware that he knows a thing or two about life. It’s a humbling, poignant and beautiful reminder to have the opportunity to have a run in with such a man, even if for a brief moment in time and history. For there is knowledge in every experience and interaction. Be open, be receiving and you shall see.

As he continues on his journey, my curiosity peaks further with him. He goes further into detail saying he is a young and prime 99 year old. My jaw drops, for not in a million years would I have guessed this agile man was this age. Age is truly just a number on paper, your mindset is where it’s at.

I am absorbed in his energy, “What is your secret?” I ask of him.

His dynamic and clear cut answer was “I keep breathing and I keep moving forward”

As simple of a statement that is, when you dig deep, it isn’t just simple. It’s a statement that reaches the depths of your soul and pulls forth the reminder that this life is constantly moving, so go with it, flow with it. That is not simple, that is deep.

For those are his secret ingredients.