"Do not resent growing old….many are denied the privilege…."

Years ago when we were still living in Arizona, a friend told me that I would LOVE my 40’s. I was 35 or 36 at the time and she had just turned 60. I thought she must be out of her mind. Forty just seemed so old. Of course, I’m sneaking up on 48 now and my perspective has changed quite a bit. It’s funny to think now that I used to have an irrational fear of getting old.

It occurred to me recently that I have been working with seniors for 15 years now. Aside from being a mom and wife, working with these older folks has been the most rewarding part of my life. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to assist them. Part of the reward is working alongside other people who also honor and respect these aging seniors. It’s hard to find a bad apple among them.

Working with these people has given me a different perspective on aging. I certainly don’t dread it anymore. Even though my nest is empty, I am enjoying my life more than I could have imagined. I have learned that people are resilient and can survive the most difficult situations or illness and still find joy in life. In addition to this strength, there is a wisdom that comes with age. I’m really looking forward to the wisdom part! For now I seem to care less about what other people think of me mainly because I think I’m a decent person. There is less drama in my life because I’ve learned that you don’t die from telling the truth. My priorities have certainly shifted over the years.

I think, for the most part, that I am ok with my age now. There are a lot of “if I knew then what I know now” kind of thoughts mostly relating to diet and exercise – our girls nag us now about our poor diets and sedentary lifestyle. I know this is only out of concern and because they want us around for awhile longer. (We are trying to eat better, Girlies, really we are). I am ok with my crow’s feet and laugh lines because I’ve earned them. In the spirit of being authentic and true to myself I have decided that I am going to embrace my age. I am going to try to take better care of myself and be more mindful of the food I put in my body. I’ve also stopped coloring my hair. I can’t remember the last time I dyed my roots – we’ll see how long I can stand myself! I think I’ll be an interesting and funky (in a good way) old lady.

“Do not resent growing old…” Growing old is a privilege and it certainly beats the alternative!