[lizardlady]

I got this in an e-mail from a friend today. I've said many of these things myself. I get strange looks when I tell people my wrinkles don't bother me - I've earned every last one of them! I highlighted the part in red below.

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.



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 , or 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 swimsuit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into 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.



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).

[LiveThroughThis]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

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.



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).

I like these both so much. My gramma told me one day about confronting someone who worked at a bank or maybe a restaurant, telling them what needed to be changed, not quite sure. Anyway, I laughed and said, "Gramma!" "When you get to be my age, you just don't care anymore," she winked. Touche. I'm looking forward to that phase of my life.

[waynec]

Originally Posted by LiveThroughThis

I like these both so much. My gramma told me one day about confronting someone who worked at a bank or maybe a restaurant, telling them what needed to be changed, not quite sure. Anyway, I laughed and said, "Gramma!" "When you get to be my age, you just don't care anymore," she winked. Touche. I'm looking forward to that phase of my life.

i turn 61 in dec but, according to real age i am 54. i agree. i dont care much what people think. i tend to not get drawn into arguments with folks whose views are aggressively opposite from mine (except for what if discussions regarding history). just not worth the energy and peace of mind. i am in good health, exercise and financially well, especially given i havent had any contract work this year. i am polite and generally positive.

had the flu fot the past 3 days and looks like the next 3 too. no guilt about staying in bed and reading, puzzles, surfing, listening to music, hot soaks, and sleeping. not taking much for the symptoms, just letting my body do its thing.

thanks for sharing with us.

hugs

[thickntired]

Hi L Lady,

Wow. Thank you for sharing your great outlook!