10 Sayings I’m Supposed to Believe at 70… But Don’t

People often speak to you in wisdom-speak. You know the type: neatly packaged sayings that are supposed to make sense of life. Platitudes passed down like heirlooms. But here’s the thing: many of them don’t hold up.

So, I made a list.

This isn’t meant to be grumpy (though I’ve earned the right to be if I want to). It’s meant to be fun, reflective, and a little provocative. These are the sayings I’ve heard for years—the ones I’m supposed to nod at politely—but now that I’ve circled the sun 70 times, I feel free to push back.

1. “Everyone has a book in them.”

No, they don’t. Everyone has stories, but writing a book takes obsession, discipline, solitude, and often a touch of madness. Not everyone wants that kind of relationship with a keyboard (or pen).

2. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”

The journey has its moments for sure—but have you arrived lately? There’s nothing like landfall after a long crossing—arrival matters. Sometimes, the glow of reaching a goal is worth every mile of slog.

3. “Everything will work out in the end.”

Not always. Sometimes, things fall apart and stay that way. But here’s the kicker: you can still work it out. Life is not about magically fixing itself. It’s about adjusting your sails when the wind changes.

4. “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Wrong. You’ll work every day of your life. You’ll care more—and maybe cry less.

5. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

That's not true. But you do have to give the old dog a compelling reason. Comfort is addictive, disruption takes energy, and motivation matters more than age. 

6. “Everything happens for a reason.”

Sure… but sometimes the reason is you made a dumb decision. Not every mishap is a cosmic message. Sometimes it’s just physics—or bad judgment.

7. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Tell that to my knees.  I have walked 1000 kilometers since January 1st. Some things make you more tired, more cautious, or more wise. And that’s okay.

8. “Follow your passion.”

That's good advice if you also bring a plan, some savings, and a willingness to clean toilets. Passion’s great, but rent is real.

9. “Live every day like it’s your last.”

If I did that, I’d max out my credit cards and eat dessert for every meal. Maybe try: “Live like you want to be proud of the replay.”

10. “You’re only as old as you feel.”

Some days, I feel 40, and some days, I feel like a used teabag. Aging isn’t a mindset. It’s a rhythm—and if you dance with it instead of fighting it, it’s got some real groove.

So what do you think? Which of these clichés do you agree with—or disagree with? Have one to add? I’d love to hear it.

Please drop a comment, message me, or yell it from your favorite mountaintop.

Because here’s one saying I believe: It’s never too late to start being honest with yourself and the world.