One of the hardest things to
accept is you are aging. Right while you are sitting here, now, reading this,
moments are going by and you are getting older. It is not something you can
deny, fight or resist. So the end goal is to do it with grace.
According to the White House
Conference on Aging in 2015, over the next 50 years, our aging population in
the United States will more than double. The numbers are astounding, to the
tune of 92 million Americans being over the age of 65. So the good news is you are not alone!
The bad news is this it is not an
easy transition for any of us. No longer do most have that firm toned body,
that endless energy where you can literally jump out of bed. If we did that
now, we just might break or sprain something. And, as we age, everything takes
longer to heal.
Sitting back and reflecting on
your life can be helpful. Think of all the people’s lives you have touched and
whom have touched yours. This is called
creating a legacy.
If you were fortunate enough to
have children, take a hard look at where they are at. Are they paving the way
for a good future, the life that you started and nurtured? If so, you have done well, all that was asked
of you when God placed them in your care.
If you don’t like your changing
looks, don’t spend so much time infront of the mirror. Take them out of your
home if that is an issue. Staring at those wrinkles won’t make them go away.
Having botox helps but honestly, you are our aging, there is no denying it no matter what you look
like. Celebrate your life!
Much as adults untie the apron strings
and let their children go off to make it in the adult world, as you age, do the
same. Remove the labels that confine you and embrace your freedom, your
retirement to do the things you always sought to do and didn’t have the time.
If you don’t have the money, improvise.
Will your children miss you when
you are gone? Yes, and if not, it is their loss. You have been there and done
the best job you knew how to give them a life. Cheers to you that they have
established one. Now go live the last part of yours.
Opray is
quoted as saying “I think the hardest
part of aging really is recognizing the time that you wasted and the things
that you worried about that really didn’t matter,” she said.
But aging
with grace is letting go of regrets, forgiving yourself for your mistakes and
letting go. Why not be free of any restrictions put on you by others? You have a perfect reason now for acting out
on your fantasies, you are getting senile, it is on your bucket list, and any
other reason you feel like giving.
The
reality is you don’t need a reason beyond you. You are worth it. Invest what
time is left on you! If you don’t do it
now, you will never get the chance.
