Life begins at 40? 50? 60?
I first heard this line from the late Elizabeth Taylor and when I heard her reasons, didn't make any sense to me at all.I must have been 33 years old and I felt at that time that my life truly began way before that. From her perspectives it didn't hit on me then what she truly meant until 20 years ago.
I was born from a very poor family which made me look at things very differently from others. I worked hard, didn't follow cultural values of getting married to someone chosen by my parents and elders who grew up with arranged marriages. Complete with selection from suitors who is subject to scrutiny as far as providing a good life for me. No romance, no love to consider. I figured if I would go to school and get me a good job, I'd be more than capable to do that myself without being a dependent on anyone. My father and mother agreed. With their support and scholarship I was able to graduate with honors from elementary, high school, college and masters' degree.
To cut the story short, I succeeded in materializing my dreams. Achieved my goals and at 24, my life truly started as I planned. Traveled the world and very happy and felt very blessed. My children were born and had so much fun. I felt blessed and thought life was complete.
When I heard this saying, for the first time, I didn't understand at all.
Fast forward and after so many ups and downs, losing houses and investments, getting divorce and overcome not one but two cancers, it finally makes sense to me.
Life truly begins at 50, or at least for me even 60.
Comments (30)
The earlier the better isn't it?
The earlier the better isn't it?
Cos after that retirement sets in you can start businesses right?
Cos after that retirement sets in you can start businesses right?
I think it would be good, Rose lol!!
I think it would be good, Rose lol!!
Love you my friend
I mean , look at me !! I am over 100 and still rocking !!!!!!!!
very true...
Love you my friend
I mean , look at me !! I am over 100 and still rocking !!!!!!!!
I see life like chapters in a book. Each has a start and end. Value in itself as growing. Do I wish I was 20 again. No thanks. Was weird and scary enough back then. In todays world, how does one cope?
To me life doesnt start at any age..it starts every day one wakes up. When I was a child, I thought as a child saying.
It took me to middle age or more to realize that dreams were wishes, not necessarily what I wanted. Some were parents dreams..NOT mine. Now I see my life as it is, and realize this is all I ever wanted really. To live on this land til I die. So that hidden "dream" came true.
Sometimes it takes age to see truth.
I see life like chapters in a book. Each has a start and end. Value in itself as growing. Do I wish I was 20 again. No thanks. Was weird and scary enough back then. In todays world, how does one cope?
To me life doesnt start at any age..it starts every day one wakes up. When I was a child, I thought as a child saying.
It took me to middle age or more to realize that dreams were wishes, not necessarily what I wanted. Some were parents dreams..NOT mine. Now I see my life as it is, and realize this is all I ever wanted really. To live on this land til I die. So that hidden "dream" came true.
Sometimes it takes age to see truth.
Yes, like a chapter in a book (and many of course) each has a beginning an and end.
" The phrase life begins at 40 means that when one reaches the age of forty, life becomes better, maybe because one has the skills, experiences, and means necessary for an enjoyable life."
i think there might be a limit on the number of words you can type
I didn't want to be dependent from anyone.
I wanted to call my own shots.
I wanted to work on my dreams and achieve my goals.
I our old traditions you can't do that. The worst part is life is as hard as it used to be with your parents.
I don't ever regret what I did. My whole village used me as an inspiration to the youth in our community. I planned my whole life segment vy segment. I was one of the youngest university professor in my country at that time. Twenty four years old, two years more and received my Masters degree. Life was great and my parents were very proud and happy. I helped all my brothers and sisters to finish school and received their degrees. Until today I am still helping people in my village.
Btw when I was born, our culture and traditions changed because of the influence of the United States having complete control of our political and economic directions. We only got our independence from the US in July 4th, 1946. We were under the US control since 1898.
I think it would be good, Rose lol!!
Within 5 years I will go back to life in the countryside for sure
Within 5 years I will go back to life in the countryside for sure