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Where Is That Young Girl Who Danced All Night, Who Dared to Dream, Who Embraced Adventure?

By Lily Bradshaw May 22, 2026 Lifestyle

Sometimes I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and think, Who on earth is that? It seems as though life has moved on with the exterior me, but forgot to tell my brain and my heart! :)

To be honest, I don’t mind at all. I have lost far too many people younger than me to worry about things like wrinkles or grey hairs. And, I do enjoy the age I am at. But that doesn’t mean I have to give up on dancing, dreaming or adventuring!

A Dance a Day Keeps the Doctor Away :)

When I was young, I used to dance every day. It was my passion and always made me happy. But there are many other benefits to dancing, such as keeping fit, being flexible and supple. I could eat whatever I liked and never put on weight, whereas now, if I look at a cream cake…. :)

There is also the music. For most of us music is evocative of so many of our memories. If I just hear one or two bars of a song, I can often remember where I was, when I last heard it, who I was with, how I felt. Music can be joyful, nostalgic, moving, fun, emotional, empowering, uplifting. 

Maybe we can’t quite rock around the clock like we used to, but ramping up the music and doing a little twist now and again is good for our soul, our body and our heart. :) 

Dare to Dream

Remember the thrill of day dreaming? Falling in love with your idol, travelling round the world, becoming a model, writing a best seller! It does not matter at all if your dreams are completely unrealistic, or even if they never come true. Dreaming does not have an age limit… or any limits. :)

As well as being fun, day dreaming has many benefits, including allowing your brain down time, being creative, finding answers, reducing stress, solving problems, and improving your mood. It is especially important as we age, as some people may become focused on how little time they have left, rather than how much. Day dreaming provides us with hope and belief that there is a future for us. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks

When I was young, I loved a challenge. There was no such thing as failure – only learning. Somewhere along the way I became cautious. Perhaps even a little too cautious. I guess when you have accidents and mishaps, you learn not to repeat them.

In many ways that is a good thing, but taking a little risk now and again makes me feel alive. :) I like to take myself on magical mystery trips with no plan, no end destination. Just stop off whenever I want. Occasionally, I drive to the beach and sleep in my car, so I can watch the evening sunset and then the morning sunrise. :)

I like to try new food I haven’t tasted, listen to music I have never heard before, read books whose authors have not crossed my path. Every once in a while, I book a trip to somewhere I have never been – Norway, The Arctic Circle – or tick off something from my bucket list: swimming with turtles, sailing on a schooner.

Keeping That Young Girl Close By

So, for as long as possible, I like to keep that young girl close by. Dance, sing at the top of my voice, dream the impossible dream, have a few adventures, and take a little risk. I hope to learn a bit more, be a bit braver, and always, always, stay curious. My inner child is not going anywhere soon. :)

Let’s Chat:

Have you still got your young self inside? Do you find music and dancing good for you? Have you still got dreams for the future?

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The Author

Lily Bradshaw has had an interesting and varied career. Twenty years working as a psychotherapist and part time lecturer, followed by 20 years of writing educational courses. Now she is enjoying semi retirement writing books and articles that interest her, mostly about having fun and enjoying life. She has spent the last 2 years travelling solo.

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