I picked up a guitar to learn how to play when I was 38 years old. My intention was never to get up and sing in front of live audiences or write my own songs...but that's what happened after I did wander down that path. There was nobody telling me that I had to take on this new challenge. Nobody forced me. I just went ahead with it, not really even thinking of anything in particular other than I wanted to show my kids that you could learn something if you stuck with it.
I tell you about this, because I have heard the phrase "It's too late for me" recently. I believe it is a Chinese proverb that says "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now". My belief is that it is never too late to start...unless you are sitting at an exam..then you should start when they tell you to.
Think about Nelson Mandela. The story of his life is quite fascinating if you check it out. He was actively involved in protesting, and by admission had openly decided that he was prepared to give and take casualties to further the cause of defeating apartheid prior to going to jail on Robben Island in South Africa. He was horrendously treated during his stay by guards that made life miserable for the inhabitants. He was 45 when he went in. He gained quite a bit of knowledge and insight into how to best approach the fight against apartheid and when he was released from prison 27 years later at the age of 72, he became the president of South Africa. The version I just went through is extremely condensed and there are a number of other things that happened both prior to going and his stay in prison that are factors worth noting; however, how easy would it have been to just live out the rest of his days as a free man after being released from prison? Instead, he jumped into the political arena at the age of 72, took on the presidency in a country that was in dire straits at the time, and proceeded to bring it closer together than it ever was before. He became legendary.
Kelly's uncle impressed me awhile back. I don't know the specific age that he started only that he was the oldest one there. He began to take Yoga classes. He was definitely in his 70's when he started. When he started! He didn't just wander into a special class for seniors; he instead jumped right in with the general membership and practiced yoga at his speed with them. By Kelly's account he improved immensely! It wasn't something he had ever planned on doing, but when the opportunity presented he took it. He didn't accept that it was too late to start.
Give yourself the gift of starting something new. Say yes to the salsa lessons. If you've thought of writing a book, then start. Want to lose a couple pounds, get walking. Just start...the rest will take care of itself.