On Aging

When I was young, I dreamed of being thirty.

Not eighteen, thirty.

I was dreaming of maturity, wisdom, and stability instead of getting my license, graduating from high school, and being old enough to legally drink.

There are a lot of advantages to being older. The two that come to mind first are that you’re still alive and grandchildren.

There’s a peace and a sureness that comes with living through a lot of years and surviving a lot of experiences.

Forty years of marriage.

My sister Elizabeth being stillborn.

Several financial crises.

Raising two awesome children.

The deaths of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents…

Personal crises.

Over the years, I’ve learned that I can survive hard times.

I’ve learned who I can count on.

I’ve learned that I can deal with other people letting me down as long as I don’t let me down.

I’ve discovered that I’m happiest when I am most authentically myself.

I understand that some people just aren’t willing or able to grow, so I’ve learned to move on.

I’ve learned that I have to let go of toxic relationships for my own mental health.

I’m ok with the fact that having the “right” things–like the “right” car, the “right” house, the “right” job title, etc…–is of no interest to me.

A bonfire in the pasture is far more enjoyable to me than dinner at a fancy restaurant or even a not-so-fancy one.

Time with my family and friends is irreplaceable and always time well spent.

I welcome spring for its new beginning, summer for its gardens, fall for its colors, and winter for its rest.

I enjoy taking the time, when I’m able, to be in nature and feel so much a part of it it almost hurts.

I love having grown into my place in the universe, and I look forward to more growth.

I love feeling like I have discovered why I am here.

I love that simple beats complicated.

And love trumps all.

❤️❤️❤️