“Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: it might have been.” – John Greenleaf Whittier.

Those are sad words. So, don’t say them.

Once, when I was young and stupid, I quit college. It didn’t take long to regret it. And I was complaining to an older, wiser family friend. He pointed out the obvious answer. I, again: young and stupid, said, “But, I’ll be 32 when I finish.” That seemed very, very old at the time. I imagined my hair in a gray bun with my knitting needles moving back and forth talking how much better we had it when I was a girl.

He said, “You’re going to be 32 anyway. Wouldn’t you rather be 32 with a college degree.”

My sister decided to go to law school at 32 after being a nurse for five years. A naysayer whom I will not call by name, but my sister and I both refer to as “Mother” said, “She just got through with nursing school. Now she wants to become a lawyer?” The connection eludes me, too. But I pointed out that she wasn’t happy nursing, and that she would be 35 when she finished. “That gives her 30 years left in the work force. That’s a long time to be miserable.”

Of course, that’s all I said. Said woman has an expression that wilts flowers and makes grown men cry.

But, it doesn’t matter if you’re 35 or 65. Never think, and certainly never follow the advice of someone who tells you it’s too late. Or that you’re too old. Because, as long as you have the physical and mental capacity, it is never too late to pursue your dream.

Laura Ingalls Wilder did not start writing until she became a columnist at 40. Her famous book series, Little House on the Prairie, was not published until she was 60. Personally, I think the world would be a poorer place had she listened and heeded the advice of anyone who discouraged her. My childhood certainly would have been.

But, regardless of how one feels about her books, she wrote them. They were published and enjoyed by many. And, of course, they were the basis for the long-running television show of the same name. It was not entirely factually accurate, but its longevity speaks for its popularity.

Julia Child did not learn how to cook until she was 40. It always amazes me when I hear someone didn’t learn to cook until well into adulthood. “What did they eat?” I wonder. Personally, I learned by trial, advice, countless errors, and necessity. But again, that is not the point. She did not start her famous television show until she was 50.

And the famous Harlan Sanders perfected his fried chicken recipe at 66. If anyone wouldn’t thank the man for his continuing efforts, I don’t know them. I don’t think I would understand them upon making their acquaintance.

Clearly, there are exceptions. We all have our limitations, and certain careers have peak and cut-off ages: professional athletes and cheerleaders among others. Attempting a career as a professional stunt-man is definitely not something I would recommend. Actually, I would not recommend that at any age. Talk about all of the guts and none of the glory!

But if there is anything you have always wanted to do or learn, do it! Learn it! Depending on the occupation, you may or may not have a more difficult time getting hired. But, at least you will be able to say you tried. And you will have learned. It’s never too late to learn.

And to those who would discourage you, who might certainly mean well, say, “Well, maybe I am too old. But I’m gonna give it a shot.”