A good friend sent this to me this morning and considering my "Looking Back" posts, it really resonated with me -- perhaps it will with many of you as well.
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 the 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).
Sylvia's world in thoughts and pictures
I miss you Sam!!
I miss you Sam!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
What Can I Say?
I'm interested in almost everything. Use to like to travel, but it's too expensive now. I take Tai Chi classes, swim, volunteer in a Jump-start program for pre-schoolers. I'm an avid reader and like nearly everyone these days I follow politics avidly. I'm a former teacher and Special Projects Coordinator for a Telecommunications company, Assistant to the President of a Japanese silicon wafer manufacturing company. Am now enjoying retirement -- most of the time. I have two daughters, one son-in-law and two sons scattered all over the country. No grandchildren.
10 comments:
We all need beautiful posts like this to adjust our perspective and appreciate what we have. Happy Sunday, Sylvia.
I agree.
I'm in my 50's & I am my best friend. I have more confidence and I really don't care what anyone says about me.
After I survived my coma, I figured it was to enjoy what time I had left.
And, the heart that's been broken, it mends in a wiser way.
Sylvia,
Well said. It gives us a sense of freedom and I love it.
And sychronicity, as I just posted yesterday about friendship....and the acceptance that comes with it.
Nice one, Sylvia, very nice! JC nails it with that insight on a broken heart. Looking back, I might cringe over a few things LOL but no, I wouldn't change any.
I like myself better too. I have forgiven myself for my many sins and am happy.
Yes, I'm embracing getting older with joy for what I have not regret for what I don't!
An excellent post.
I got this same thing by e-mail today and I love it and the person who sent it to me. I like where I am right now, too, and think getting old does have its advantages. I have mellowed so much from when I was a young person.
Such a beautiful post and oh so true. I am sixty and am having the time of my life doing what I want to do.
Thank you for sharing this Sylvia...it is always good to be reminded to have fun!
Blessings and smiles
I like this very much, and I agree. Age is earned by living. I have achieved much and I deserve to be this age.
"As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think." I am finding the truth of this every day as I grow older. Thank you for sharing this, Sylvia.
Post a Comment