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Right on, Carol! You took the words right out of my mouth (and that’s really saying something!).
W.
Maybe I just borrowed them?
You go Carol! I think it is wonderful to have such a positive outlook! So many people are mired down by those things listed above. We all need to think and LIVE positively! Thanks for reminding me!
That last comment was meant for you, Rena!
Yay! So glad to hear – I love your perspective. Life is short (in the grand scheme of things), enjoy while you’re here! I love Mrs. Hughes (and Mrs. Patmore).
Mrs. Hughes: da bomb!
I couldn’t agree more and lucky, lucky you. Age happened to the body whether we fight or wave the white flag. I prefer to fight-botox, fillers, a neck lift, Barr Method class, long mindful walks, the majority of heathy eating ( albeit too many junk food splurges, but who’s prefect?) I am not afraid to die. I have a spiritual faith that prevents my mind from thinking my energy-my legacy-won’t live on in the hearts and minds of my family, friends and my perennial beds. It’s the letting go that will be hard, the saying goodbye to this big huge present of a planet, and to my only child, who I love so vehemently. The aches and pains, the sweats–all part of the game, and I play along without too much acknowledgement. I am happy. And that is what makes me less afraid of what is to come.
That’s such a deep comment I had to take a while with it. Yes, yes and yes.
What a wonderfully uplifting post to read this morning. I’m guilty of a few of these bemoanings you’ve listed and it’s a good reminder to let them go. And I love Ryder’s comment too – yep – it’s the letting go that will be hard.
I found tears dripping down my face while talking about the loss of our older dog in Feb….letting go IS hard for sure but knowing we meet again, as I do, makes it bearable.
My motto is “don’t get stuck in the mud” –because we’ve all seen it, felt it–but I just keep pulling my feet out!
Too often,women are either defending or denying their age. I will not do this. I don’t even think about not doing this. It just isn’t relevant to anything that that matters, like the love that is within reach, and the sights, sounds, feel and taste of amazing discoveries. Thanks for the post, you have uncanny timing.
Amazing discoveries–you’re right! The world has so many of them and they’re just waiting.
Life is too short to compare ourselves to anyone else. I love your outlook and your zeal for living your best life today. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways of what it means to age gracefully, Carol. And your no-apologies approach to aging is refreshing. Aging isn’t a crime! It’s a fact of life for each and every one of us lucky enough not to die young.
Thanks, Chloe. And you know, it never occurs to me to apologize for anything–I am not young and since we can’t go backwards, I am embracing “full speed ahead”. We ARE lucky to have not died young and we should know this from what we see around us. My inspiration is a friend who has a chronic cancer, has been undergoing treatment for years now and embraces every bit of life she can. She teaches me every day what it means to really live.
I feel the same way- not depressed, minor aches (damn left knee), meno-symptoms kept at bay with a little help, still have a full head of hair…. But I do like the botox!
Ah, the botox. Nahh. don’t need it yet and even if I did, doubt I’d do it. I mean–NEEDLES.
I think some people seek (and some succeed) to make a career out of resolving the suffering of others. That requires a steady drum beat–somber, rueful and, ultimately, focused on the ‘Nots”.
I’ve circled this thought a few times but never articulated it so well. YES. But the thing is, we women sound like we have nothing going for us, when we see all that stuff. It makes me crazy.
Very healthy perspective! And I adore Mrs. Hughes. 🙂
She’s my fave.
You’re so damn … normal, Carol! Hurray for no aches and pains and may you continue to enjoy life. You have a refreshing outlook.
Hah! I am the least normal person of all. And perhaps my day will come, I don’t know. There will always be things that challenge us. But for me, aging just isn’t one of them. Then again, I have one of the best role models in the world: an 85-year old friend who is active, fit and vibrant with the very best attitude of all. Wrinkles, too, that she wears proudly.
I wish I could say all the things you are thankful for! But despite my health trials, I smile every morning when I wake up. I love aging. Most of the time. And it always beats dead. 🙂
Sissy, you have a hard row to hoe, that I do know. And yet you always have time for a smile. I agree–aging beats dead!
You are a very lucky lady—blessed in many ways, I’d say. Can we trade places just for one day, PLEASE????? I’d give just about anything not to have to go through this menopause crap. But then I feel guilty complaining about it when I meet ladies who have been struggling with it for 10 years or more. Praying it doesn’t last much longer…..but thank God for humor!
Here’s the thing. I had perimenopausal symptoms years before I knew what they were. They just…were. I guess maybe ignorance was bliss. I had about 3 hot flashes ever, but I had an aunt wo really suffered those badly, breaking out in a sweat. But my mom and I slid right through for some reason. I’m definitely lucky in that way. As far as the other stuff, well, I do think some of it is attitude. Not all. But as I commented above, my friend who has a chronic cancer that she is in constant chemo with has taught me almost everything I know about how to live fully and not complain…except for she keeps saying “why am I so tired??” and I’m like, “Girlfriend, you’ve had years of chemo!” It’s like she forgets. She is a rock star. I want to always have her attitude.
Hi Carol and thanks for a truly wonderful post 🙂
While I am not a fan of Downton Abbey, the quote you cited speaks volumes about acceptance and moving forward!
I am sometimes one of those who complains about not getting older, but having to grow older. For me, it’s more about reconciling the teenager inside me with the outer visage of age. Sometimes the two just don’t live together harmoniously.
That being said, I’m finding my way slowly and your words in this post reflect a lot of how I feel. Like you…”I’m just living my life, best I can”!
Thanks Carol and take care.
Lyle
ps: I just recently stumbled across your blog and am really enjoying what you have to say 🙂
Thanks for keeping Downtown Abbey alive and well. I’m missing tea time with Mrs. Patmore. I wrote about Cora this week in my blog. How they live on past their season..is that a form of immortality?