Friday, January 4, 2008

On Getting Old

Note; I've recieved this in email form several times in the last few weeks, from "old" friends~decided to share it with you all, today  Linda
 

The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.

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 more kind 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 and 70's, and ifI, 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) 

 

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

A great outlook my friend

http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/

Anonymous said...

What a great entry Icouldnt put it better myself lol bless you ...love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

its neat to be comfortable with your age, isn't it? I enjoyed reading your thoughts about it

betty

Anonymous said...

I LOVE THIS!!!!  I'm copying it for me, k?

Thanks,
Joann

Anonymous said...

Hi there,

"Old Age' sounds truly liberating.  I've not quite made it to 40 yet, but I figure that aches and pains will be something I have to look forward to.

I like the sound of doing what I want to do, when I want to do it and not have to be responsible to anybody.

We don't realize just how restricted we are by other people's wishes and thoughts about us.  

If this is what 'Old Age' is gonna be like, I can't wait to be liberated.  Count me in! :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Linda! You're now 21, with 45 years' experience

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday !!! Hugs Lanny

Anonymous said...

Happy Happy Birthday to you!!!!
Hugs,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Amen!!!

Anonymous said...

This is SO cute!!!  I remember thinking when i was in my teens, oh how horrible it must be to be FORTY!  now I'm just shy of  40 and it's not as bad as I thought!  Yes, the body has gone to hell but hey I am still happy!!  That's got to count for something :)  I'm glad  you shared this!  

Anonymous said...

Hello linda, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! hope it's a good one. I like the entry about ageing, I am still early 30's so now I know what I can look forward to now, thanks! happy birthday luv mrs t xx
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mleppard06/eternity/

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Linda.  I only hope I am as liberated when I reach your age. If I reach your age.  I think as you age you do become more laid back with things.  I know I am.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Take care.
Carolxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Linda,

I would like to add my good wishes for your birthday.  Today is my daughters birthday as well.  My name is Frances, and I live in Texas.  I do not have a journal, but would like to e-mail anyone who cares to.

Again  'HAPPY BIRTHDAY', and may your day be glorious!!!!

Frances

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Linda. You go girl! lol. Good for you having such a wonderful outlook on life. I am so pleased for you. Pam xx

Anonymous said...

When I was a young girl and even a younger woman I could nto imagine ever being fifty even.  It seemed so ancient and OLD.  However having reached it and surpassed it I now realize that it's only numbers, and you are only as old as you feel.  Some days I feel ancient and other's I feel like a spring chicken!  Hope your day was a good one!
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/

Anonymous said...

(((((((((((((((((((((LINDA))))))))))))))))I think thats a ver good answer to your question.Have a nice weekend.

Anonymous said...

When my Grandmother & Aunt were alive I would sit with them for hours & listen to all their stories about the times when they were younger, what the world was like back then & what my Mom was like when she was my age. Older people have what we will never have...wisdom & a better understanding of the way the world works. I didn't really get that when I was younger. I thought I knew more about everything. I know better now.