Connecting Singles^® Forums100% Free Online Dating

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, 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 & 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! MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER!

Damn brother, that is well said! I may not be your age but I am there in so many aspects.

WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!

That was a wonderful and true post HJFinAz...you are a wise and happy man...power to you

NOT my doing.. It was an email sent to me but it oh so truthful for this old fart..

Live life, be happy..

That's so touching and true!
Kuddos to you for being true to yourself and enjoying the life, making the best of it.
Loving and knowing yourself, expressing out loud your personality and being proud of what you turned into...that's one of the life's greatest achievements!

If you know him, shake his hand for me. He is wise and you posting it, made my day!

Thanks!

This is such a heartfelt inspiring post! I wish there were more of these!
Congratulations on finding an answer to one of the biggest questions of life... How to find true happiness. You seem to have found it within yourself!!

His name is Dick McConnel and he lives in Prescott, AZ. I have known him for years. His wife of nearly 50 years passed away about 5 years ago, devastating for Dick, yet he continues to live his life and do what he can for others. Simply one of the many wonderful mentors I have been blessed with in life..

gee this is gonna kill me......

good post Pat......

I can kinda relate to him on the loss of his wife. My grandfather (Papa) and grandmother (Nanny) were married 72 years......yes that is correct...72 years. After she died, it broke his heart and caused his health to go down pretty quickly. It was too hard for him to be alone.

Nope my dear, it won't kill you. It has no chance with a tough chick like you..

Very inspiring to all the rest of us old people...Great post.

Much wisdom and inspiration to strive to attain the same awareness ....... thanks for sharing. You've got a very special friend.