As if it happened yesterday, I remember the frustration that I felt about being younger than my classmates. My independent, head-strong, rebellious, Capricornian nature led me to hate everything about being a child. And my mom just had to make it worse by starting me in school a year early. However, I came to terms with this when I began college at age 17. Suddenly, being younger than my peers was not bad at all. Nonetheless, I couldn’t wait until the day that I turned 21 so that I could drink and gamble. Once that happened, I couldn’t wait until I reached 25 so that I could rent a car. On my 25th birthday; however, it was as if the roof collapsed on me. My mind was racing… “What will I look forward to now? There’s nothing left, but getting old. I said I’d be rich at 25 and that I would travel the world; but I’m working a standard 9 to 5, making a middle class salary, and restricted to 2 weeks of vacation per year. When people ask my age, they no longer respond, ‘Oh you’re just a baby.’” The pressure was on.
Most people have a mid-life crisis at middle age, but I had one at the ripe old (NOT!!!) age of 25. For the next 5 years, I cried on my birthdays. If anyone said Happy Birthday, I wanted to kick them for acknowledging that I, the person who was always the youngest in the bunch, was all grown up. The very worst was when children started to refer to me as ma’am. It was the biggest insult that I could imagine at that time.
Nowadays, I feel really good about the fact that I’m getting older. What changed? Nothing– except my outlook. Instead of thinking of the goals that I have not yet met, I commend myself for every tiny achievement. It doesn’t matter how small or seemingly insignificant; I look for the value in it all. I even celebrate my trials, mistakes, and hardships, for these things have helped to shape me into the strong, powerful, compassionate, inspiring person that I have become.
I’ve gained 2 dress sizes, my vision has blurred, I see age-related changes in my eyes and hands, and my concentration is not what it was 10 years ago. I haven’t found my soul mate, I’m not a millionaire, and I haven’t traveled the entire world. These are undeniable facts. However, I am happier than I have ever been. I love the person who I see in the mirror—she’s confident, capable, self-aware, sexy, fun, easy-going, and wise like never before. It will take much more than the onset of wrinkles, downward sloping metabolism and detours from childhood dreams to shake this woman.
Spending more than 3 decades on this Earth has afforded me so many reasons to be appreciative. I’ve managed to raise a phenomenal young woman who I am extremely proud to call my daughter. I’ve traveled to simple places that offer simple things to appreciate: museums, theater, aquariums, animal ranches, art, clear water, sandy beaches, quaint dining spots, and exposure to different cultures. I’ve talked distraught people into continuing their lives and I’ve released people from their connection to my life. I’ve forgiven those who have wronged me and I’ve forgiven myself for wronging others. I’ve learned so much and I’ve shared so much of what I’ve learned.
Gratitude is the only word that comes close to explaining how I feel about getting older. My life is about living…not aging. If you’ve been searching for the fountain of youth, I suggest that you simply learn to enjoy the fountain of life. It is a beautiful thing that should be appreciated every moment of every day that you have left. Over the next 70 or so years, I’m sure my light will shine brighter and brighter. And if you will allow it… yours will do the same.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Reminds me of my grandma, keep saying that she keeps getting old..I wish she’ll stay healthy
I agree with what you have written, aging is something we all have to face. Might as well have a positive attitude about it!
Hi, interesting post. I have been pondering this issue,so thanks for writing. I will definitely be coming back to your site. Keep up the good work
Aging is sad – but this article and website help to better outline the issues. Thanks!
aging is sad, but I think we can slow down its effects with essences that nature provides us with. Trying herbal products may be the solution to feel stronger and younger
These are all excellent posts. thanks for the links. You seem to be reading day and night looking for good stuff to post lol.
This is a humorous article, I’ve been feeling like this a little lately. But you also have to look at is you are becoming a wiser and productive adult. No longer are you an uneducated youngster who doesn’t serve much of a purpose, but cause trouble. It is good to vent about these things from time to time, however. As you get older remember to take care of yourself and your body. Take your vitamins and eat properly and you will feel younger while all your peers who didn’t take care of themselves will the be the ones feeling old.
I love this quote, “My life is about living…not aging” It will be featured soon on one of my sites.
It’s scary getting old but if we spend our valuable time dreading getting older we will loose our youth far too quickly. It’s best to enjoy the moment and do our best to live as long and as healthy as possible. I plan on teaching my great grandchildren how to ride a bicycle and swim laps around my pool. I’m dieting and exercising daily to make it happen. I’m glad you have your crisis behind you.
aging is a natural process that is associated with genes. however with a healthy lifestyle aging can be delayed. Your article gives a lot about aging process
Aging is the undeniable fact of life. We all have to face this. But thing is how we are going to face it. You have done so nice & i think getting old comes up with great experiences of life gratitude & being a responsible person.
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