The Miracle of Ageing
I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body - the wrinkles that are starting to appear, 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 grey 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 piece of pizza,
or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gnome that I didn't need, but looks so avant-garde on my patio. I am entitled to overeat, 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 ageing.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's & 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 younger bikini/board-shorts clad set. They, too, will get old!
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But then 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 a 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.
Old Age is a Gift
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn grey slowly, but surely, 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. I can say 'no', and mean it. I can say 'yes', and mean it
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself any more. I've even earned the right to be wrong. (although i cant remember the last time i was wrong)
So, to answer your question, (before you ask it, that is) 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 want.
Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles.
Comments (44)
It has been awhile since you posted!!...aging to me kinda is hard but I do appreciate the wisdom I have attained due to experience...as for lessons in life...death is a reminder of what a gift life is and not to waste it...not to mention the strength, understanding and compassion you speak about!!...not forgetting the dessert part either...
Sitting at work staring at the screen and thought i'd be a little sentimental (if that is the right word).
Tried to keep my sense of humour in a topic that shouldn't be taken to seriously.
Although as you say, death does make one appreciate life.
Maybe the old saying,
"wake up and smell the roses" should be practised more by us all.
Enjoy life and why bother with the hassle life throws at us, apparently, "there is always someone worse off".
Too true...there is always someone worse off...so we do need to stop and smell the roses...life is too short!!...how's things with you...hope your doing well!!
doing great i think.
Staying out of trouble and spending plenty of time with my 2 adorable granddaughters.
Trust all is all well with yourself.
And wish you a miracle too!! And extraordinary one.
one of my favorite people on here.
Thank you for your kind words.
I am sure that there are NO grey hairs mixed in with your beautiful shinning locks.
Sooner or later we must all face reality.
My reality is I'm not as young as i once was, and hopefully I'm not quite as old as i am going to be.
I'm just going to enjoy the time i have and not let unimportant things bother me.
I trust that you and your girls are in good health.
Great to have you back!
Taking notes as I am still guilty of some (most) of the things you mention here
Truth is life is way too short to sweat the small stuff. I do appreciate the simple things in life, things money can't buy and always stop to smell the roses. Those things you refer to as ordinary miracles. May you stumble upon a few of those
i can assure you that i consider the friendship we have forged as a pleasant miracle.
It is great to know that you are well and enjoying life.
If there is one person on this earth that deserves emense happiness it is you.
I promise not to be a stranger.
thank you so much for your kind words.
Yes it has been a while since i last posted a blog. I have however enjoyed reading yours.
Thank you for your touching and intelligent comments that you have bought to my blog.
As always i have tried to inject a little humor into a topic. May we all age with grace and love in our hearts.
Remembering to enjoy each moment as it passes.
But, hey who is ageing?
Not we, Simmo, not we..!
So fresh and interesting, not to mention so true.
Just wish I had this wisdom when I was younger, but then again...who doesn't?
I think this is the first time I've come across a blog of yours and it's really lovely. Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience with us. To know it all as Miracle just seems of great wisdom!
they do say hindsight is a great thing.
If only we knew then what we know now.
glad to see it was not to late for you to enjoy what life gives you.
KN
yep life is to be celebrated. We're a long time gone.
Whilst your having problems with things going downhill i myself is having problems getting certain things to go uphill.
ah denial what a wonderful thing.
your looking good maybe you know the secret to NOT aging.
is never to late to appreciate the good things we have and what life has taught us.
my friend, how right you are. When i wake up from my slumber i immediately think what a wonderful day.
I then start thinking about what time my afternoon nap will be.
Okay, I slowed down. And down. And down. I was X's daughter, then both parents died. Y's wife, then we called it a day. Z's mother, but the kid grew up. Who the hell was I? I ate and slept and worked and trudged through life.
Started waking up a few years ago, to my own surprise, and since then life has just got better and better. This may be our Indian summer but it's a beaut. The best part is that I have half-sisters nearly 2 decades older than myself who had told me what to expect (I didn't believe them) and they are only now starting to slow down.
Late 50s is an unfashionable age to be but YIKES it is a goodie. You've already noticed you are enjoying yourself. Hold onto your hat, bud, your ordinary miracles are about to start popping all round you. Be open to the universe, and go with the flow. Let it surprise you.
a rolling Stone gathers no moss.
I'm at the top of the mountain about to head downhill.
Watch out all young'uns.
Thank you for your very kind comments,
It has been a while since i last posted a blog, a long while actually, some may say too long, others may say not long enough.
Each day we wake up another miracle will happen, bring on ageing i say.
I dont think i ever had model looks, well maybe as a baby.
I think wrinkles come with the knowledge we have gain living as long as we have.
May everyone celebrate wrinkles.
Another of my favourites,
Ageing gracefully is not an easy thing to do, but i agree that we should at least try, so much fun to be had when we do not worry about our age, after all dont some say age is just a number.
Luke,
Ageing is not for sissies, mmmmm wonder what the ladies may think about that.
But i do understand what you mean.
Maybe ageing is not for the weak of mind.
Hello there, and thank you very much for your nice words.
Yes you are right, i am still considered a young'un by some, And yes life may only get more demanding, but i say we should approach it with guttso and a i dont care what happens attitude.
Enjoy what we have and what we will have.
Thank you for commenting.
WOW, what wise and wonderful words.
Thank you.
Yes mid 50's is an age where it can appear neither old nor young,
I have come to embrace my age and have realized that i may no longer be able to play physical games with my granddaughters as much as i'd like too, and yes i intend to enjoy each day as it comes and help any ordinary miracle become a special one.
Nice to see you again.
Think you meant 'Gusto' rather than what nearly looked like 'Guts Out'('Cos I like pizzas...) But who cares when your in the 'Grey Totty' league? Rejoice forthwith etc.
I'd like to say if we cant spell a word 2 ways, we are not creative.
I'd also like to blame "old age" or maybe a lack of education" but alas, if the truth be known, it really was the "auto correct" spelling that happens on my Samsung.
have to admit, i have enjoyed a piece of pizza once or twice in my lifetime.
I have been taught to share.
Very nice blog, thank you!
Sometimes I worry about that time when I'm on my 50s but when I look at my son and think about how fast he grows and how he makes my life wonderful each day, I feel consoled, comforted... and I tell myself that it's ok to get old...
Children do bring to us a sense of reality.
When i look in to the eyes of my granddaughters, i feel blessed that i have lived long enough to enjoy their laughter.
Bring on old age.
I'm not looking forward to be a grandma yet...
But yes, children are pure joys and happiness...have to savor every moment with them as they grow so fast these days!
I am sooooooo loving being a grandpa.
I encourage all to become a grand parent.
Bring on the grey hairs, But slowly please.