The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being older. 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 older 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, and 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 avant garde on my patio.
I am entitled to be messy, to be extravagant, and 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 4a.m and then sleep until -- ? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60's & 70'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, some of life is just as well forgotten and I eventually remember 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 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!!!!!!!!!!