Guest guest Posted August 1, 2007 Report Share Posted August 1, 2007 I love this and think it really says it all. JUdy > A Gift.....>> The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I > was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing > my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that > it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let him > know.>> Growing Older, I decided, is a gift.>> I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have > always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my > body ... The wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the cellulite. And often > I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I > don't agonize over those things for long. 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 more kind 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 be messy, to be extravagant, to smell > the flowers.>> 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 > a.mand then sleep until -- ?>> I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50's & > 60'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 bikini set They, too, will > get old. (if they're lucky)>> I know I am sometimes forgetful. But then again, s ome of life is > just as well forgotten and I eventually remem ber 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 a 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 turn 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.>> I can say "no," and mean it.> I can say "yes." and mean it.>> 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 older.>> 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 want).>> Today,>> I wish you a day of ordinary miracles.> Love simply.> Love generously.> Care deeply.> Speak kindly.>> Leave the rest to God>>>>>>> Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL.com.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2007 Report Share Posted August 1, 2007 It's great Judy and it helps those of us who are still getting used to the idea - it made me have another look at the birthday card I just bought for my sister, it says: "It takes a long time to grow young." (Picasso) Thanks Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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