Monday, April 2, 2012

AS WE GET OLDER...

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

6 comments:

Rowena said...

You are a very Unique woman Im very Impressed with you, I use to worry what people use to think but stuff them if you worry what everyone thinks they wont let you live! and if they dont like me how I am to bad cheers to that!!!

Sally@threeblondeboyz said...

What beautiful prose! Oh my, I fully agree with you. I'm 45 and this week was a watershed for me. I discovered I need to wear glasses full time, Bifocals no less.After I picked them up I went to Target for underwear & skipped the skimpy uncomfortable silk lingerie and picked out some big comfortable underwear (& what's more it didn't bother me) I've been young & silly & energetic & restless and now I am content. I enjoy life for the blessings that it brings without the trappings of vanity. Don't get me wrong, I am clean and smart, but I am no longer uncomfortable. I embrace aging as another step towards being an authentic person and not fighting to impress. I wish I could have expressed it as beautifully as you have, hugs Sally xx

Kate said...

I enjoyed reading you post. I'm only 19 myself but haven't often looked with dread to being old, but it gives me a new perspective now. Thank you, and visit my blog anytime at kate-everythingblue.blogpsot.com

Unknown said...

I just randomly stumbled into your beautiful post! Thank you for sharing!

Sudesh DJV said...

nice.... will visit again later for spending more time..

Microsoft Office said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.