on aging

[amazongold]

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, or my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to have a treat, to be messy, and to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50s and 60s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joys of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART,
ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

[labby]

That was nice Jackie.

[3TailsWaggin]

How true, all of it.

[boonesmom]

Thank you- I needed that today. Was feeling sorry about myself and growing old. That puts a good perspective on aging. My dad died at 52 (my age) and never got to see alot. So I should really accept the whole wrinkles, sagging, etc.

[Wendy B.]

I loved that

[joflake]

Very nice. I'm enjoying getting older. You don't have to worry about the things you did when you were young. I'm loving my grandchildren and the fact that they go home and I can relax! I'm loving the fact that I only have a few more years to work. I quit worrying about a flat belly a long time ago. Who cares about that now? I'm very healthy and that's what counts. Sure I have other worries, but now that I'm older I think I know how to deal with them better instead of getting all wigged out about the little things. Life is good.

[Clanceycanuck]

Thank you for sharing that. How wonderfully true it is.