Perspective On Life - The Twilight Years

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, 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 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 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).

[Loafer]

[blowndodge]

Wow Gene............ are those really your words?

That should be mandatory reading for everyone over 50..

I'd Exault you for that post but those buttons have been removed!

[sly]

:)

[AlabamaNomadRider]

No Brad it was another old fart but I feel a lot like he does. I should have added some of my own thoughts to it.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by AlabamaNomadRider

No Brad it was another old fart but I feel a lot like he does. I should have added some of my own thoughts to it.

Don't fix it if it isn't broken Gene. ;)
I really like that post. Since I have been retired I enjoy everyday. Do what I want when I want and if I want to stay up late and sleep late I do.
Oh, and BD, to answer your post in another thread. I don't think any amount of time is going to change the way I feel. I know you were just bustin on me and I got a good laugh out of it.

[Sin City Stan]

+1 I don't need no stinken exhalt button.

[glwilson]

With all the things seemingly going wrong in the world today...

...I say eat dessert as often as you can!!

[Stump]