Old Age, I Decided, is a Gift
Posted: Friday, September 07, 2007
by Judi Lake
Judi Lake Advertising
Every so often, I happen upon an e-mail that truly touches the heart. As I was beginning my workday this morning, I received the following excerpt by an anonymous author and feel that it is worthy to be shared and cherished.
I am not the author of this piece and I could not have said this better. May those who read this be blessed and filled with gratitude for “this we call life". And for those who've already seen this, may this be a reminder of the marvelous miracle of being you.
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 (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, and 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 4:00 AM and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 and 70s, 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)."
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Judi, I have read this before but I suppose I was meant to read in again with clearer eyes. Thanks for this important reminder.Anon, I too had read this before but this morning it 'hit' me differently and I wanted to share it. I guess we both need the reminder then! Thanks for commenting and wishing you a good weekend!
Amen, Judi! I, like you, don't view aging as a bad thing. I recently wrote an article about turning 40 and how the people around me expected me to be upset. It doesn't bother me at all. I do my best to embrace each year as it comes. Great article!Hey James! Actually this year I turned the big '50' and, like you, didn't see it as a bad thing, in fact I felt liberated to be who I was meant to be... what freedom, huh? Thanks for your kind comments, but I can't take credit for the article since I didin't write it -- perhaps the author may site this and I can find out who actually authored this piece. I hope you have a great weekend, Mr. James!
People are like fine wines, they get better with age.Your comment written like a true poet; and so true, CB! Thanks for commenting and 'hoping you enjoy your weekend!
Good article, Judi. I agree with you. Aging has a way of making us laid back and more relaxed with our surroundings and who we are. Blessings. Angie
Judi, I had not seen this before but I like it a lot. Thanks for sharing.
Judi, even though you are married, would you mind if I told you that I LOVE YOU? (lol) My wife and I enjoy you so much. Good article
Judi, Thanks for sharing this inspirational article. I guess I liked it 'cause I also am old!
Judi, as always, you are gifted with the ability to tug at ones soul. The other day your article made me laugh and this made me cry. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Shame on you Judi, This poem was first listed on: Ageconcern-DOT-org-DOT-uk on Nov. 22, 2005 by HEATPROOFWhy shame on me? I specifically said that I am NOT the author - thank you for letting me know who authored this touching piece.
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