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 40 & 50's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love... I will. There is no 'law' that a senior must wear flannel to bed.
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.
Inotherwords..
And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).
So, just a reminder that my friend Suz of
SuzisStuff. has a collection of the most beautiful unusual porcelain trinket boxes you will ever see. She has a little Construction Worker, a Merry-go-round, a Fishing Creel, a tiny Tea Set...to just name a few. Looking for an unusual gift..check these out..and they all come with a price tag that is affordable. Thanks, Suz!!Course, if you're in the mood to browse CLICK HERE for Supergrannys Treasures
3 comments:
SG, this is great!! Lots of great humor in there, but also lots of wisdom!! Every birthday I get closer -- but Mom always used to say when I would complain, "Think of the alternative." I've had way too many friends experience the alternative [against their will] and I know if they'd had the chance to get grey hair and saggy skin, they'd have taken it willingly. So, I don't complain anymore, just take my years as a blessing. [Can you tell I have a birthday coming up the end of July?? LOL] Thanks for your provocative post. As usual -- it's wonderful!! :D
I've seen that one before, SG, and it's always a good reminder to enjoy life! Thanks to both you and Suz for bringing it back to our attention! I love your graphics, too! :)
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Super G,
I went into my comments today and it appeared that you had left me a comment, or not. It's got to be the computer's fault that it disappeared in an instant. Anyway... Just wanted to thank you for your blog entries and let you know that you are appreciated. Happy 4th (of July!)!
Pat
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