Dear LPG,

I recently read an article on your pages, which reminded readers of the importance of having at least one positive goal to work towards each morning. 
While I thought what was said was inspiring, the piece left me feeling somewhat jealous because, on the morning I read it, I was reminded of just how little I accomplish each day.  While it is true that I have a life with a lot to be thankful for, I am not reaching the end of each day feeling quietly fulfilled.

I think that one of the things that stands out as my life’s failure is the fact that it includes nothing that I can call vaguely momentous or even interesting as my more recent days pass me by.  It's somehow easy to forget what you've done in the past, and when I look into my future, I don't see much to look forward to there either. However, the article got me thinking that unless I attempt to change the prognosis, things will stay the same.  

It was then that attempting a world record might be a way forward.  I came across a few bits of internet-based trivia about people who have managed to measure up, and the ones that have already been established got me thinking.   I soon came to the conclusion that more of us, no matter what age, might have the makings of a world record breaker if we put our minds to it.   

We oldies are never going to achieve the accolade of being the fastest again, but some record breakers were born with the ability to achieve their unique world records.  Take, for instance, the records held by persons with the longest legs. Tongue, nails or hair.  Perhaps you have a bodily attribute that has not yet even been considered.  All we have to do is think about that aspect of the thing. It could be time to find a tape measure.   As we get older, we may also be contenders for those records that feature the age of things. If you are not yet old enough to qualify, there might be something buried in your garden that qualifies. While you are looking, you might be inspired to take up a bit of gardening.   On the other hand, you might be the owner of a cat, dog or other pet that is particularly long, short, old or young, and that might have the potential to turn you into a winner.    

With all this in mind, I would like to float the idea that an attempt to aspire to a mention in such a prestigious book is not an impossibility.  We need to remember that the records in the book are occasionally broken and by ordinary people just like you and me.  Considering the possibilities might be the inspiration that creates the breakthrough needed for some of us older members of society who feel that life is falling a little short in terms of achievement at the moment.  Even if your potential world record is not quite world-class, it only stands up to scrutiny when checked against the measurements of your immediate friends.

Many will argue that I have nothing better to do with my time if the result of a bit of lateral morning thinking brings me to these conclusions.  However, I have decided to put pen to paper because I am having one of those days when nothing much seems to be happening. If LPG decides to print what I have written today, at least I will be able to note it as one where I achieved something. 

Yours sincerely,

LY, Lewisham.

LY offers a few ideas for the inspired…

(►►►)  (►►►)    (►►►)     (►►►) 

   (►►►)   (►►►)     (►►►)   

…and a few things that it might be advisable not to try at home…

(►►►)