“Old age ain’t no place for sissies.”
– Bette Davis
I recently celebrated another birthday and Ann Smith’s Birthday is Tuesday, July 14th! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We all hold the aging process differently. Too often we complain rather than celebrate another year. I am hoping that my dear friend and wonderful partner does something wonderful for herself to mark this special occasion.
What was modeled for me as I was growing up was that doing something for oneself or any form of self- care was self-indulgent and a luxury. I was taught to buck up and to push through fatigue and pain, ignoring and overriding all of the body’s requests for care and rest. I was even taught that such actions were virtuous. Now my energy is focused on rewriting such mis-beliefs, and learning how to nurture my body now to minimize the impact of my past mis-steps.
The reality is that bodies deteriorate no matter what, even with the best of care. Life is an evolutionary process and from the moment we are born we are on a miraculous journey of aging until we die. Things just don’t stay where they were when you were in your twenties, and the unfortunate thing is that you often don’t fully appreciate your health and mobility then.
Health and a mobile body are helpful and enjoyable, but not essential for a life worth living. Each stage and phase of life provides a unique perspective, and wisdom is like building blocks, it gets taller with age. It takes the growing experiences that come as a result of our years to shape our wisdom and deepen our souls.
You need not be old to feel old, and you need not be old to be wise. The choices we make and the perspective we choose are what make us either old or young at heart. What’s your choice?
Do not hide your age. Boast about it. Aging comes with its challenges, but also with the blessings acquired by each rite of passage. Live it fully and boldly. Laugh often. Criticize less. Forgive more quickly, pay y0ur wisdom forward, and dare to just do what you have always wanted to without waiting for permission. Celebrate ever milestone, and be certain that you have a story to tell for every wrinkle you have.
Today celebrate you inner youth. Care for your body, and choose to be fascinated rather than discouraged that age takes its course. Gather your wisdom gratefully, and pass if along to those walking behind you to make their journey more meaningful, manageable, and happy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANN!!! Celebrate long! Your passion and devotion to the empowerment of women is a gift to us all.
