Yes, I'm a thinker and a fossil. My best friend called me a fossil 10 years ago! Cheeky bugger. But, he also called me AOD (awesome old dude) because I called him OAD (one awesome dude). It was one of those silly mutual thingies.

However, since becoming addicted to writing, I've discovered that thinking is like any other exercise... it encourages growth. Years ago, a friend accused me of thinking too much (I was 21). I wonder what he would say now. Ya know, I suspect that most people don't think enough. How else do you explain the abundance of sheep led by a minority of shepherds? And the perennial problems of the world? How do you explain the existence of shrinks who do the thinking for their clients? Could it be that most peeps prefer others to do their thinking and decision-making for them? Oh, dear...

I recommend writing. It's the best therapy I know. Throw a few words onto the screen and they immediately demand scrutiny and analysis. They force you to think. Once your thoughts take on a physical form it's like a mirror that reveals faults. Eeeek! There's a hair growing out of my nostril!

As to being a fossil, I don't mind in the least. A team of wild horses couldn't drag me back to my past. Wisdom (say I with all due modesty) is much more than adequate compensation for the wrinkles. And that's one reason I no longer iron my shirts...I like things with more wrinkles than I have. More importantly, I've discovered that if one presents oneself honestly and without prejudice or condescendence one can befriend younger people with ease. It's all about treating others as equals and making them feel worthwhile. Too easy.

Yes, ladies and genitals, aging is cool if you want it to be. Oh, and don't forget my free books! They'll change your life. www.kellytrader.com