Don't Let the Old In
A look at what “Don’t let the old in” really means—staying curious, energized, and open to growth in teaching and life.
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Don't Let the Old In
Here’s a quote, resource, and reflection to help you carry calm energy through the rest of your week.
Quote of the Week
“Don’t let the old in.” — Clint Eastwood
Resource: The Art of Staying New
When I first heard this phrase, I loved it. To me, it meant: Don’t let old fears, routines, or limits sneak back into your life.
Keep growing. Keep learning. Stay curious. But when I mentioned it to my wife, she said,
“Jeremy… that sounds like something an ageist person would say!”
And she’s right — it can sound that way at first. But that’s not what it means (at least not to me).
It’s not about denying age. It’s about refusing to let our spirit age before we do.
We all know teachers who stay “new” — not because they’re trendy, but because they’re awake.
They keep trying new ideas. They still get excited about small wins. They don’t let cynicism or exhaustion take over.
So here’s this week’s practice:
Think of one way you can “not let the old in.”
That might mean:
- Trying something new in your classroom, just for the joy of it.
- Learning a new skill outside of teaching.
- Saying no to something that drains your energy.
- Or simply noticing how much you’ve grown since last year — and choosing to keep evolving.
Staying new doesn’t mean pretending you’re not tired.
It means remembering that growth, curiosity, and joy are renewable resources — if you make space for them.
Now Repeat…
I stay open, curious, and alive to new experiences.
I grow wiser without growing weary.
I honor my age while keeping my spirit new.
Journal Prompt
What’s one small way you could “not let the old in” this week — in your teaching, your thinking, or your daily rhythm?
Book Spotlight
Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To by David Sinclair
This isn’t a book just about longevity — it’s about vitality.
It’s a reminder that aging isn’t just physical; it’s mental and emotional, too.
And that curiosity, movement, and purpose are the real keys to staying young — inside and out.
👉 Buy on Bookshop.org | Buy on Amazon | Book Spotlight Archive
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