The traditional view of the fountain of youth is wrapped up in the mystical notion of ancient secrets and rites being passed down through generations of Tibetan monks living a life of blissful solitude somewhere high up in the Himalayas? Unfortunately, this romantic notion has been hijacked by some very persuasive advertising from cosmetic companies who'd have us believe that they've discovered the secrets of the fountain of youth, and that the fast track to looking young and youthful is only ever a pill or a potion away.

Don't get me wrong, I fork out far too much money on lotions and potions myself, so I'm not immune to the power of a good anti wrinkle cream sales pitch. (I'm not sure about the pills though!)

Where I part company with the lotions and potions fraternity though, is that I believe the fountain of youth really does exist, I just happen to have a more abstract view of it.

Certainly lotions and potions have a role to play in terms of moisturising and cleansing, but I'm afraid I can't quite believe that they have age-reversing properties.

It really is one of life's great truths that beauty lies within. And the person who appreciates that fact is already on to a winner. If you think you're beautiful then you are. Having this level of acceptance comes from having a good appreciation of who you are and offers a glimpse at your level of self-esteem.

Unfortunately having high self-esteem is not the norm for the vast majority of us, which leads to quick and comforting fixes such as the aforementioned lotions, potions and pills.

If I really had to offer my own opinion, I'd suggest that the fountain of youth is flowing within us all. Our thoughts lay the foundations of our own self worth and in case you didn't know it, you can control them. Weed out the negatives and encourage the positives. Eat healthy foods, take regular exercise and look in the mirror and tell yourself you're beautiful.

Go a step further and give yourself a helping hand. Give yourself a massage. Start with a facial and when your confidence improves, go for a full massage. Massage enhances the skin condition by improving the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands, which keep the skin lubricated, clean, and cool. (and young looking!) In addition, by giving yourself a massage, you will be igniting and releasing naturally occurring wonder drugs called endorphins which induce a wonderful state of euphoria. There are few other therapies that produce such positive and potentially life changing results as massage and massage therapy. Results can be dramatic or subtle, visible or invisible but always beneficial. Your mind and body will feel invigorated and if you do this often enough, your self-esteem and wellbeing will skyrocket.

If there is such a thing as the fountain of youth, then for me, a healthy balanced diet, taking regular exercise and simply liking yourself, amount to drinking from that very fountain. (told you I had an abstract view) Good luck on your quest.

To your continued, outstanding health.

P.S. Don't be afraid to slap on some so called age-reducing lotion or potion and don't beat yourself up either, after all, you're only human.

Copyright (c) 2007 Sam Benton