YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO DREAM by REBECCA REED

YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO DREAM by REBECCA REED
Friday, June 20, 2025 by Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: Winning the Twin’s Heart

AUTHOR: Rebecca Reed

PUBLISHER: Moonsong Publishing

GENRE: Christian Contemporary Romance

SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Book 2 of the Love Overshadows series

TARGET AGE: adult

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR REBECCA REED TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. REBECCA TALKS ABOUT HOW SHE LEARNED THAT DREAMS CAN COME TRUE AT ANY AGE.

YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO DREAM

Rebecca Reed

I found a quote recently that struck a chord with me. Two actually.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." C.S. Lewis

Those words from the author of one of my favorite series of all time, The Chronicles of Narnia, were a beacon of hope and affirmation that I'm not as crazy as I might have thought to pursue this dream of writing many more books before I am called away from this world.

The second quote from Oscar Wilde, resonates with me also and is a theme of my second published novel, Winning the Twin's Heart. Here it is:

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist." Oscar Wilde

Combining these two bits of wisdom brings me to my main point. Often, those approaching the years of their lives in which they recognize that there are fewer ahead than behind, are pushed aside by society. Especially when health concerns limit their mobility and self-reliance. They disappear into group homes, nursing homes, and retirement homes and it seems their contributions to society at large may have reached an end.

For the record, I'm not saying any of these types of living arrangements are bad, wrong, or shouldn't be utilized. In fact, I believe many people are helped immensely, encouraged, and given companionship and friendships they wouldn't otherwise have had when living in such communities. My mom's health and mental acuity improved by leaps and bounds when she moved into our local nursing facility. It was a vast step forward for her in terms of social access and she made many new friends as well as renewed old acquaintances. It was a blessing for her and for us as her family.

What I am saying is that the residents of these places need to be encouraged to set goals and dream. They need not simply exist. They are still able to live.

This goes for those of us in our fifties and sixties and seventies or eighties who are physically able to live in our homes and maintain normal lives -- using "normal" in a context of comparison to when we were younger -- in our twenties and thirties, for example. Normal may take on different parameters depending on each person's circumstances, of course. Please don't let that word trip up this analogy.

I do believe that often empty-nesters find themselves at a loss. What to do now that raising the children is no longer the main focus of our day. We may still work outside the home. We still have other responsibilities, but that "extra" time and energy needs a new focus.

Don't be afraid to listen to those little nudges from God to step outside your comfort zone and pursue a new goal or go in a new direction. You are not too old to try or learn something new, and you never will be.

For me, that looked like pursuing writing as a career. I began writing with an eye toward publication in 2010. I was 45. Through a roller-coaster of events, I won several contests and finaled in others, was chosen for then released from a contract, attended writer's conferences, joined writing groups, and eventually, learned enough spiritually and professionally, to publish my first novel in a collection last year (2024), then republish it on its own several months later. Book 2 followed shortly after, and there are 2 others planned for 2025 releases.

I tell you none of that to toot my own horn, but to encourage you to see that you, too, can achieve your dreams. But first, you have to take hold of the idea that you can have a dream in the first place.

So I encourage each one of you, don't be afraid to set goals and dream because in the words of Casting Crowns, we were made to do more than just survive. We were made to thrive.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 ESV

Do not let age be the thief that steals what Jesus came to give: life in abundance.

Book Blurb for Winning the Twin’s Heart:

When contentment brings disaster and legacy trumps desire, can two people from different worlds build a future together?

College rodeo roper Yoani Alliegro can’t stop looking over her shoulder despite, or maybe because of, her recent success. She longs for family––the one she lost, and the one she hopes to have.

When rejection shatters Yoani’s sense of belonging and sends her running in search of truth, will it lead to the family she’s dreamed of and freedom from her past, or will she discover she’s left all that in Montana?

Bull rider Chantz Nannenga is caught between following his dream of teaching and upholding tradition by managing the family ranch. Should he settle for less than his dream or push forward when conquering his regrets could prevent him from winning Yoani’s heart?

A closed-door, friends-to-more, contemporary rodeo romance that takes you from Montana to Miami on a journey of discovery and faith and leaves you filled with hope and happily-ever-after.

Rebecca Reed writes romantic tales filled with discovery, hope, and horses to fulfill a lifelong calling as a storyteller. From riding race horses to teaching Spanish to traveling, she sees obstacles as challenges.

A lover of Jesus, animals, music, and nature, she might be found listening to audiobooks on her rural Indiana farm. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she's learned to embrace joy where she can find it––in life’s unexpected moments and inside a good story.

Connect with Rebecca on her website RebeccaReedWrites.com and become an Insider with first-to-know access to all things writing-related.

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Comments

Linda Sammaritan From Indiana At 6/30/2025 7:42:50 PM

Great encouragement for all of us over 50! I'm hoping to be the Grandma Moses of novel-writing!

Reply by: Patti Shene

LOL, Linda! I love it! Thank you for stopping by.

Becky Van Vleet From CO At 6/20/2025 11:55:00 AM

Hi Rebecca and Patti, I loved reading your perspective, Rebecca. Very encouraging. And certainly applicable to me in my early 70's. I want to keep writing, but sometimes I doubt new writing goals with my age. But no more after reading your gems of wisdom! Thank you!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Becky. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment for Rebecca. I love to hear stories of writers who begin their careers later in life! Blessings on your writing.