We’d like to introduce you to Martin, an 85-year-old who recently revealed a long-held secret. But before we meet Martin, think for a moment about all of the things you love about yourself. Those traits that make up who you are. How you love, who you love and how you’ve celebrated that love throughout your lifetime. Now imagine not being able to ever display that love. This is the situation Martin found himself in. He was unable to find a soulmate, unable to show the world who he wanted to be. Martin is gay. And for his entire life, he’s kept that a secret. Martin only recently, at the age of 85, came out to his friends and family.
In the beautiful video below, Martin describes his life and the regrets he now has from hiding who he really is. He regrets being “such a sissy, so nervous, so bloody shy” to be open for love. 5 Gum decided to tell his emotional story as part of their #NoRegrets campaign; inspiring others to “live unapologetically, because life has no time for regret.” 5 Gum recently found that 97% of teens and seniors have at least one regret in their life. When American teens were surveyed, the top regret had to do with self-confidence. Another regret from teens came from never stepping out of their comfort zone. Indeed, more than half of teens and seniors alike hope to live by the mantra “break out of my comfort zone.”
Martin’s video has been inspiring young adults across America to live authentically and to “love who they love.” And in turn, they inspired Martin to attend his first pride parade at 86 years young. Take a lesson from Martin, and take advantage of the opportunities you have in this life. Celebrate who you are. And most importantly, live your life with #NoRegrets. Martin, along with 5 Gum believe in saying “yes” to new experiences – especially ones that push you. These are the very experiences that make life worth living. Whether you’re conquering a fear or pursuing your passions, challenging norms or sharing your feelings, 5 Gum hopes you’ll live life with no regrets.