17 Thoughts on Being Old and Grey

I didn't write this, but I sure do like it! Susan

1) I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, or my loving family for less grey hair or a flatter belly.

2) As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own best friend.

3) 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 avant garde on my patio.

4) I’m entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant...

5) I’ve seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon, before they’ve had the chance to know or understand the great freedom that comes with aging.

6) Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m.? Or to eat popcorn whenever I want to be buttery and salty? Or to sleep until noon?

7) I love the freedom I feel when I dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s (or hip hop even) and if, while I dance, I choose to weep over a lost love...well, I will weep. I will relish the sensation of big fat tears rolling down my cheeks, and falling where they may. I will mourn my losses and celebrate my love as I wish.

8) I’m not embarrassed by sadness, tears, happiness or laughter.

9) I’ll walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and I’ll dive into the waves with abandon if I wish to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They too, will get old one day.

10) I enjoy the time i spend with people of all ages: babies, teens, parents, peers and elders. I've discovered that each age sees the world through its own wonderful lens, and I feel privileged to look throught them all.

11) I know I am sometimes forgetful.
 But then again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

12) Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, when a child suffers, when the world around you seems to be filled with war, poverty and despair, or even when somebody's beloved pet dies and leaves them without companionship?

13) But broken hearts are what give us strength, understanding, and
 compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

14) I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn grey, and my youthful laughs forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed; so many have died before their 
hair could turn silver.

15) As you get older, it’s easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've earned the right to be wrong.

16) So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I’ve become. I’m not going to live forever, 
but while I’m still here, alive, I won’t waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what might be.

17) And I shall eat dessert every single day if I feel like it.