Friends!
Some Thoughts on Aging and the Alternative
My children's Father doesn't have much longer to live and it hurts me to see their pain. He has been a wonderful father and has had a remarkable life. And as I look around me here in the senior complex where I live, I see much of the same thing happening with other people and their parents/relatives. I'm very blessed to be as well and as strong as I am and when a friend sent this to me I realized it was pretty much how I feel and I thought I'd share it with you this evening.
As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend..
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 or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 and 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).
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 or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 and 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).
Enjoy your evening and may your life be filled with lots of love and laughter.
27 comments:
Sylvia, Thank you, thank you for a wonderful message. Growing old is not for "sissies", but you have helped put many issues in perspective. I know you enjoy every moment of your life now just as you always have. Thanks for making me "feel better" about growing older. Have a lovely Wednesday. Mickie ;)
Hi Sylvia, thank you for us glad some day, good input.
Greetings .-
A wonderful message Sylvia. I'm with you live every day like it's the last one . And every day should be filled with love and laughter.
great piece of writing. I tell my friends, I am married to the computer. We are hunting for a house, I don't want a big house. Did you watch the Stratford's wives? I am like Bette Midler before they transformed her.
Your wonderful words touched my heart :)
That's a lovely photo Sylvia!! I admire your strength. Your words are something I'll save in the safest corner of my mind and my heart hoping that I have the same strength when I am at the same phase of life as you are right now... May your evening and coming days be filled with lots of love and laughter too...
I'm sorry about your children's father.
Great "anthem" on growing older. I've had a good life and am very blessed. One of the things I've learned is that I've had to find my happiness here and now and life is too short to worry about what other people think.
We should all live like this, young or old. I think we would all be happier if we did.I pray your children find the peace that passes all understanding...
Wonderful post, Sylvia. Thanks for your thoughts. I pray for your children and their father at this time. Blessings Jo
Now that we are so happily retired, it seems as though we are getting bad health news from friends and family members almost every week. I am sorry that your family is going through such pain. I guess it is the next big life lesson we have to learn at this point in life. But it's hard. Your words this morning served as a good reminder, Sylvia.
A truly touching post, Sylvia, and I will pray for your family.
hugs to your children
and always to you
you make me smile and feel better about the world every time I visit
I exactly feel like you !! I really enjoy life now to the fullest !
Awesome photo and wonderful words..!
thank you, sylvia. very touching. i am sorry for your children and the pain you feel as well...
I am in total agreement. I no longer allow myself to be bullocked into doing what I don't like. I have my G & T in the evening if and when I feel like it . Finally , in a marriage of 54 years, I no longer drink coffee just because he likes it. We are different people with different likes and dislikes. He likes pasta, I like potatoes, he only likes classical music, I am more catholic in my tastes.
Who cares if you go out for an ice cream and leave a day's dishes in the sink. If you get run over by a bus on the way home, it will not matter a jot and at least you will have enjoyed your treat.
So, live it up, this moment will never happen again.
Real inspiring thoughts and beautiful picture.
Follow scent and found this space.
To know someone here and there ... ...
A kiss of Nita. Today a good Wednesday!
Nice post.
Beautifully written. Sorry to hear about your ex-husband's condition. Sad.
Well, Sylvia, your message today is both somber and joyful. You have my regrets for the impending departure of your kids' father and my applause for your bravery and joy in confronting aging. I am a decade+ behind you and, even though I have been lucky in life, I still fight against any degradation in my abilities. If accepting is right for you, fighting is right for me. Have a good one.
A very thoughful and thought provoking post. Thank you,
Hi Sylvia, this is so wonderful ... thank you for posting it for us. I'm sorry about your childrens dad being so ill. That is very sad.
I love getting older. I am happier everyday, it seems. My body still works fine and I love being done with PMS and all that goes along with it, I am finally getting to do everything that I want to do.
I'm glad that you are enjoying yourself and your new surroundings too. God bless, my friend.
Kathy M.
Love that photo, and that is a very good message. I'm at that stage too and I spend hours on the computer, but I really need to get out more with my camera..!
Sorry to hear about your children's father, my step-daughters just lost their mother this past week.
Wonderful post, Sylvia! For some reason, my eyes became wet when I read it.
Amen, sister! Rock on...you are growing old with grace and acceptance. Truly an inspiration!
But, my heart grieves too for the father of your children. May he go gently into the loving arms of God.
That's wonderful Sylvia. Thank you for sharing -- your own words and thoughts at the beginning and the ones your friend shared with you -- they too were new to me and the whole post meant so much.
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