Aging

Well, as I've shared in the past I will be posting e-mails I get that I can relate to. Well here is one which speaks the truth. Words in parentheses are personal notations from me. I hope you can enjoy this oldie but goodie e-mail that has been circulating.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly (well maybe 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 (and family) 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 (all right, so it's only 3:54 AM) and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the (50's) 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love(or a fond memory) .... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a  ( my) 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?  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 (turn) 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 (for the most part.) I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like (enjoy and embrace getting older) 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 over what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert (or have some wine) every single day (if I feel like it).