Aging, A Fact of Life

Aging

Old Age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, 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 a treat, to be messy, 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 60 &70's 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 joy 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 you always have a rainbow of smiles on your face and in your heart.

Author unknown.

Leelee, Thank you for posting that. As I was reading it, I saw myself.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Val

Beautiful poem Leelee,

Aging is a real fact of life that our society seem to have forgotten...we like to think ourselves eternal...but that is not so.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Valpal,our Thanksgiving was in October here in Canada.
Happy ThanksGiving to you and yours.

LOA

I also could see myself while reading this, albeit I will be dancing to the tunes of the '80s & 90s, but nonetheless have already experienced a few of the phrases that were written. You have a wonderful Thanksgiving valpal. I also celebrated our Thanksgiving in October...it was a time for thankfulness, togetherness and of course feasting

More of a short story You know, I recall when I was younger I thought people in their 30's were old Now when I come across young Chickies saying that, all I can think is, "Just you wait....you'll be at this stage sooner than you think"....Time sure does fly, doesn't it....

Have a great day Lasses

LeeLee;

In the words of George Bernard Shaw, "Youth is wasted on the young".

Camac.

Always nice to read other's thoughts!!!!!!

Marti

They say that fine wine gets better with age. Well whose to say that all the wine I drank in my youth isn't making me better also.

Camac.

Aye, if one could know what we know now (life's wisdom while growing) when we were younger - that would be the "Cat's Meow" We wouldn't have made the lousy choices, actions and decisions back in the day. But, that's life and this is how we learn from our mistakes

Leelee thank you for posting this. How true it is huh?

Slainte

It truely is, Rindy, it truely is

LeeLee;

I am of the age that what I use to do all night takes me all night to do. That is if I can remember what it is I am suppose to do.


Camac