I recently came to the realization that I can no longer call myself young. Maybe it’s my growing appreciation for animal prints and comfy flats and using words like “comfy” that has me convinced. The truth is I’m getting wiser and looking the part. Things they are a-changin’.
And even though getting older scares me, there are a few things about aging that I appreciate. I am grateful for the experiences I’ve had over the years and for the time I have left. I value who I am. I trust myself and most importantly, I’ve learned who I want to spend my time with and what I want to spend my time working on. The truth is time is priceless. It’s worth more than money and more than any singular object.
I’ve squandered away so much time worrying about the past. So far, it’s had no benefit on my life. In fact, it’s inhibited me from following through and moving forward. I want to create, see new places, and learn new things, but the more time I spend worrying about things I can’t control, the more control I lose over my life. So you know what? I’m not worrying about things I can’t control anymore. I’m living for myself, not for obligation.
About the only thing I can think of worth more than my time are the quality relationships I’ve created with that time. Nothing can take the place of a great confidant or a soul mate. It’s the good relationships that make life worth living.
When I was a child, I used to the think the key to life was happiness. I now think the key to life is living. Living for yourself and making the most of your time, whatever time you have left.
18 Responses to “The Art of Aging”
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What a wonderful philosophy. I agree with everything you say. I just wish I could put it all into motion. Good luck with your new attitude and direction. Living is the key, for sure.
Thanks Ann!
I’m with you. The time we have is the time we have, end of story (but I overthink everything, including the past, anyway).
Hi to a fellow campaigner!
This is so true. I love this post. It is a good reminder for all of us. Time is precious and I think we waste too much of it. I know I didn’t realize how important it was when I was younger. I should have made more use of my time and wish I did. Of course, now I am doing better and glad of that.
You took the words right out of my mouth. Aging is about living well. Yep.
Well said! And I agree wholeheartedly! The older I get, the more my priorities change. I wish I could have realized when I was younger how important it is to live life now, not wait until you have more time, more money, more energy, less obligations or responsibility. Do what you want now, follow your dreams now, before it’s too late! (Sorry about the soap-box!).
So very true, and thoughtfully articulated. It’s along the same lines as live each day as if it is your last. A good reminder to all of us to put our precious time into the things that really matter.
Thanks for all the positive feedback everybody. I appreciate it. Have a great day! 🙂
What an awesome post! I admire your perspective. With the exception of “comfy”. I’m all about comfy :). I’m on the mindset path that you are on, but I have a long way to go.
Thank you for giving me a positive philosophy that I will try to incorporate more fully.
Oh, I’m in your campaign group. Finally made it to your blog :). Glad I did.
Fellow Campaigner, here! I loved this. We do waste a lot of time worrying over things that we can’t change. Living is definitely key. 🙂
I look forward to getting to know you better through the Campaign!
I couldn’t agree with you more. Every so often I chide myself over wasting time that could be better spent. I’m very conscious of the fact that I won’t always be here, so I should use my time in a way that benefits myself and those around me.
Great philosophy. 🙂
I’m a fellow campaigner and new follower.
I agree–living life through the retrospectoscope is futile. Live for the day and for the living.
Wow! Nice post! I totally agree with you. Your priorities and outlook do change. We are the ones that can truly make ourselves happy. Having a good friend or soul mate along for the ride, makes it most enjoyable. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been thinking along these lines myself. One really great thing about getting older, for me, is that I have so much more focus and drive than I used to. Just met a journalist-turned-fiction writer who started writing her mystery series at age 50; she’s now published four very successful novels. An inspiration.
Great thoughts. Thanks for sharing:)
Great comments everybody! I‘m so glad you all understand where I’m coming from. 🙂
Very wise and very true.
I’ve found it’s only as I’ve grown older that I’ve learnt the art of living.
Long may it continue!
Juliet