As I continue to age, my appreciation for the “ordinary” things has increased abundantly. With the passing of Farah Fawcett, Michael Jackson and Billy Mays this weekend, I am even more thankful for my health and the relationships I enjoy.
I received this in an email today and found it to be both thought provoking and encouraging.
- I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, and 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 4:00 a.m. 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. My body has been through many illnesses to get to this point and I’m still able to enjoy it. 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).
Hmmmm…That sounds…empowering!
~Alexander Woolcott~
Mama Mel says
Love this! I especially love the dessert every day! I love warm apple pie a la mode… for breakfast! 😉 Hi from SITS!
Fran says
"There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day." I cannot agree more. And yes we should enjoy every single day in our life. Great article!
Thanks for stopping by my blog- I am glad you liked those little fishy!
The Dimino's says
Beautiful!! Stopping by from SITS!
LisaLisa says
Dropping by from SITS! Love your post, all so true. Enjoy life my friend to the fullest 🙂
Mary K Brennan says
Wow, that says it all doesn't it. The best days are when there is no one to impress but yourself.
Donna Gotlib says
I just had the most wonderful lunch with my nephew. We ate a brownie with caramel sauce, and ice cream.
Enjoyed your post.
Wishing you a happy day.
Donna
Nanny Goats In Panties says
We should beat ourselves over the head with EVERY DAY until it sinks in and we actually learn to live it. And when I say "we", I mean "me".
Mira is triplet crown says
The more kids I have the more I need to listen to this one as my body will never be a supermodel's (and never was) but damn cookies taste good. Thanks for stopping by my blog and becoming a follower, I'll follow you too SITSta!
grandmabear says
I'm a living miracle w/ major health crisis I've survived. Now I'v the freedom to find the hidden artist in me!!