I realize that growing older is a gift….and I am grateful for each day that I am given. The only way I think I can honor getting older is to be happy; and accept what is, and most of all take care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually. I have started to take better care of myself physically- I have just started but one must start somewhere…and spiritually and mentally is also a work in progress. Thank you all for your wisdom.
I intentionally waited all day before responding to today’s question. When I first read it, I felt speechless, then felt like giggling at 4:30 AM in the morning!
Today, as I deal, live with, and struggle with the limitations and pain levels of A.S., I felt a greater need to hear from others on this topic. I am grateful for the rich sharing here from others, and have saved the URL to this specific page so that I can continue readying, and re-read in the days ahead, what so many others have shared here.
Thank you all, truly. May the Spirit hold us all.
I already know what a blessing it is to continue aging, so I honor it by accepting it. I suppose, however, that I could honor it more by accepting the things that come with it… changes in skin, particularly! The wrinkles, the elasticity. Some days are better than others!
I do honor my birthday every year by doing something special for myself. I normally also take the day off if I am scheduled to work.
For a few years I have planted flowers at my Mother’s grave site on my birthday. It is a reminder to me that not everyone has the gift of growing old.
I truly believe age is just a number. Aging is a state of mind. Just because one is a certain age does not mean you have to be a certain way. I have resisted these “boxes” society puts us in for a long time now & I will continue to do so. I resist the “small mindedness”.
I will continue to grow, learn, expand, deepen, resist.
I will continue to quell my inner demons my fears.
I will continue to look for the light & embrace & honor me regardless of what society says.
I read Barb’s response and I decided I will start doing that in 2024 for my next birthday. But honoring my age, to me is taking care of myself mentally, physically, and spiritually and also giving grace to others in my life as well as not in my life.
An idea someone gave me that I wasn’t able to carry out due to a broken wrist before my 60th birthday: Whatever age you turn this year, take that number and think of things you can do up to that count. Could be reading XX poems, going on XX walks, tasting XX different kinds of chocolate, donating to XX charities or XX to one charity–you get the idea. I developed a whole list of ideas (https://biketoworkbarb.blogspot.com/2022/05/counting-up-years.html) and then couldn’t do them that year, and lost track of it before my birthday this year.
I refer to my birthday as a “birthdayweekmonth” and celebrate however I want to before or after the actual day. This question has me thinking about each year as an entire “birthyear” of experience. Whatever things I might want to do that would add up to the next number on my birth date, I could spread those out over the entire year and treat that like a rolling birthday celebration.
For my 80th birthday I counted 80 days before. Each week I assigned a theme and then each day (almost) did something to honor that theme. It was challenging and fun. A funny coincidence was that 80 days before my birthday was our wedding anniversary date. I want to do that again but maybe tweak it.
I think I want to look at different cultures and see they honor aging.
great idea, I just counted back 55 days for my next birthday (in March). I think I might try to watch a movie from that first year (1969, then move on each yr) to try something different.
I also got great ideas from this site where you can have fun with your age – turn to xx pg in a recipe book, drive xx miles to someplace new.
Instead of feeling and complaining
about my aging body, I could remind
myself of all that I have overcome.
As my Therapist has reminded me, I
have done okay. And more than that,
I have had so many experiences that
have been extraordinary. Keeping this
in mind when I’m in comparison mode
and feeling sorry for myself, would be
so helpful.
I’m 81 and so I’m blessed to have been given the gift of growing older. How can I honor it in a new way? By doing my best to be fully present to it –by letting it be done unto me; by giving my all to each moment; by being an instrument of peace. The lyrics to Paul McCartney’s “Let it Be” come to mind. I tend to focus too much on what I can no longer do instead of what I could be in this troubled world. Thanks for the question.
Let It BE
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be, be
And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shinin’ until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Thank you, Carol. I just sang those lyrics,
as I am alone in the house right now. 😁
The story I was told about those lyrics,
was that, as the Beatles were breaking up,
Paul was quite depressed. And in a dream,
his mother (Mary) who had passed, came
to him and just said “let it be”. And I think
this gave him some comfort and guidance
during a very difficult period in his life.
I have been active consumer on this site and a fly on the wall devouring every bit of wisdom imparted by each one of you. Over the last couple of years it has been my ritual to start my day here. And what a joy it has been! I feel the least I can do is to express my gratitude and thank each of you for the immense wisdom you share. So, a BIG thanks to all!! Have a wonderful and peace filled Sunday!
Today’s question reminds me of the seniors around me. I may not yet be called an old person, but I’m certainly aging, just like everyone else. Growing older means that our time alongside our loved ones is shorter. However, there are valuable aspects of aging that I’d love to share with you. Remember, living to an old age is a gift from God, as not everyone in this universe has the chance to experience their senior years. Many people are diagnosed with cancer at a young age; does that mean they’ll never have the chance to experience what it’s like to grow old? Let’s imagine our life as a party. In a long life, we have the opportunity to taste many flavors of life that are presented to us: the sweetness of love, the bitterness of heartbreak, and the gratitude for deep compassion and empathy. Eventually, if we’ve already savored the various experiences along our life’s journey, there might be no feelings of regret when our time comes to an end.
I wish you all a wonderful Sunday filled with love and gratitude!
Yesterday my son taught me about a different way to honor older people in the Japanese culture. We had such an amazing day at Epcot. He had made lunch reservations at Teppan Edo where we had hibachi. It was soooo delicious. Anyway, earlier we had gotten our Tokyo Sunset drinks and he showed me how they do ‘cheers’. The older person’s cup should be higher than the other person when clinking your cup. So, of course, mine was the higher one as I am his mom. So he honored me 🙂
My favorite at Epcot was the Mexico Pavilion. I LOVED the easy Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros ride. And inside the big pyramid they had all Coco stuff – it was dark in there but so many beautiful lights inside. I’ve always wanted Oaxacan wood carvings and I was able to get some for me and my kids. Next time we have to eat in there- there were long lines early in the morning at the restaurant La Cava del Tequila, as well as, afternoon when we went back.
I had over 16,000 steps – I am grateful I got out, made some new memories and really had a wonderful time with my son.
I have led my life intentionally, for better or for worse! As I age, I believe I have much to offer to the various communities in my life. However, I believe how I do that looks different Yes, I can roll up my sleeves and work side by side with others on any worthy project. Yet, I believe how I show up each day is the way I want to honor all my life experiences to date. All I’ve learned, unlearned, experienced, etc. I want to contribute more by “being” as opposed to doing or telling. This is one way I can honor the gift of my life.
I am 70 years old and I love this time of my life. I was a “people pleaser” and worried about what people would think of me for much of my life. Now I can just be “who I am” and do what is right for me. This is very freeing. May everyone’s day be blessed with peace. 🙏🧘♀️🌈
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I realize that growing older is a gift….and I am grateful for each day that I am given. The only way I think I can honor getting older is to be happy; and accept what is, and most of all take care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually. I have started to take better care of myself physically- I have just started but one must start somewhere…and spiritually and mentally is also a work in progress. Thank you all for your wisdom.
I intentionally waited all day before responding to today’s question. When I first read it, I felt speechless, then felt like giggling at 4:30 AM in the morning!
Today, as I deal, live with, and struggle with the limitations and pain levels of A.S., I felt a greater need to hear from others on this topic. I am grateful for the rich sharing here from others, and have saved the URL to this specific page so that I can continue readying, and re-read in the days ahead, what so many others have shared here.
Thank you all, truly. May the Spirit hold us all.
I already know what a blessing it is to continue aging, so I honor it by accepting it. I suppose, however, that I could honor it more by accepting the things that come with it… changes in skin, particularly! The wrinkles, the elasticity. Some days are better than others!
I do honor my birthday every year by doing something special for myself. I normally also take the day off if I am scheduled to work.
For a few years I have planted flowers at my Mother’s grave site on my birthday. It is a reminder to me that not everyone has the gift of growing old.
Growing older is a given for all of us. I don’t have to do anything, and it happens. Getting wiser though, that is a different issue.
I truly believe age is just a number. Aging is a state of mind. Just because one is a certain age does not mean you have to be a certain way. I have resisted these “boxes” society puts us in for a long time now & I will continue to do so. I resist the “small mindedness”.
I will continue to grow, learn, expand, deepen, resist.
I will continue to quell my inner demons my fears.
I will continue to look for the light & embrace & honor me regardless of what society says.
I read Barb’s response and I decided I will start doing that in 2024 for my next birthday. But honoring my age, to me is taking care of myself mentally, physically, and spiritually and also giving grace to others in my life as well as not in my life.
An idea someone gave me that I wasn’t able to carry out due to a broken wrist before my 60th birthday: Whatever age you turn this year, take that number and think of things you can do up to that count. Could be reading XX poems, going on XX walks, tasting XX different kinds of chocolate, donating to XX charities or XX to one charity–you get the idea. I developed a whole list of ideas (https://biketoworkbarb.blogspot.com/2022/05/counting-up-years.html) and then couldn’t do them that year, and lost track of it before my birthday this year.
I refer to my birthday as a “birthdayweekmonth” and celebrate however I want to before or after the actual day. This question has me thinking about each year as an entire “birthyear” of experience. Whatever things I might want to do that would add up to the next number on my birth date, I could spread those out over the entire year and treat that like a rolling birthday celebration.
For my 80th birthday I counted 80 days before. Each week I assigned a theme and then each day (almost) did something to honor that theme. It was challenging and fun. A funny coincidence was that 80 days before my birthday was our wedding anniversary date. I want to do that again but maybe tweak it.
I think I want to look at different cultures and see they honor aging.
great idea, I just counted back 55 days for my next birthday (in March). I think I might try to watch a movie from that first year (1969, then move on each yr) to try something different.
I also got great ideas from this site where you can have fun with your age – turn to xx pg in a recipe book, drive xx miles to someplace new.
Barb, I”m chuckling…when you are as old as I am, the list could keep me busy all year!
I love this, thank you so much for sharing!
Instead of feeling and complaining
about my aging body, I could remind
myself of all that I have overcome.
As my Therapist has reminded me, I
have done okay. And more than that,
I have had so many experiences that
have been extraordinary. Keeping this
in mind when I’m in comparison mode
and feeling sorry for myself, would be
so helpful.
I’m 81 and so I’m blessed to have been given the gift of growing older. How can I honor it in a new way? By doing my best to be fully present to it –by letting it be done unto me; by giving my all to each moment; by being an instrument of peace. The lyrics to Paul McCartney’s “Let it Be” come to mind. I tend to focus too much on what I can no longer do instead of what I could be in this troubled world. Thanks for the question.
Let It BE
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be, be
And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shinin’ until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
I have these lyrics on my fridge – they were read at my Mom’s funeral.
Thank you Carol.
Thank you, Carol. I just sang those lyrics,
as I am alone in the house right now. 😁
The story I was told about those lyrics,
was that, as the Beatles were breaking up,
Paul was quite depressed. And in a dream,
his mother (Mary) who had passed, came
to him and just said “let it be”. And I think
this gave him some comfort and guidance
during a very difficult period in his life.
Charlie, that rings true to me. I knew it was his Mom who gave him the inspiration for the song but didn’t know what incident led to her wise advice.
I have been active consumer on this site and a fly on the wall devouring every bit of wisdom imparted by each one of you. Over the last couple of years it has been my ritual to start my day here. And what a joy it has been! I feel the least I can do is to express my gratitude and thank each of you for the immense wisdom you share. So, a BIG thanks to all!! Have a wonderful and peace filled Sunday!
Thank you for your reflection Jaykay.
Hello Jaykay, I agree there is immense wisdom here!
Hi Jaykay!! Welcome…I am glad that you are here. Please join in with a comment at times…would love to hear your thoughts too!! Have a wonderful day!!
Today’s question reminds me of the seniors around me. I may not yet be called an old person, but I’m certainly aging, just like everyone else. Growing older means that our time alongside our loved ones is shorter. However, there are valuable aspects of aging that I’d love to share with you. Remember, living to an old age is a gift from God, as not everyone in this universe has the chance to experience their senior years. Many people are diagnosed with cancer at a young age; does that mean they’ll never have the chance to experience what it’s like to grow old? Let’s imagine our life as a party. In a long life, we have the opportunity to taste many flavors of life that are presented to us: the sweetness of love, the bitterness of heartbreak, and the gratitude for deep compassion and empathy. Eventually, if we’ve already savored the various experiences along our life’s journey, there might be no feelings of regret when our time comes to an end.
I wish you all a wonderful Sunday filled with love and gratitude!
Beautifully put…thank you.
Yesterday my son taught me about a different way to honor older people in the Japanese culture. We had such an amazing day at Epcot. He had made lunch reservations at Teppan Edo where we had hibachi. It was soooo delicious. Anyway, earlier we had gotten our Tokyo Sunset drinks and he showed me how they do ‘cheers’. The older person’s cup should be higher than the other person when clinking your cup. So, of course, mine was the higher one as I am his mom. So he honored me 🙂
My favorite at Epcot was the Mexico Pavilion. I LOVED the easy Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros ride. And inside the big pyramid they had all Coco stuff – it was dark in there but so many beautiful lights inside. I’ve always wanted Oaxacan wood carvings and I was able to get some for me and my kids. Next time we have to eat in there- there were long lines early in the morning at the restaurant La Cava del Tequila, as well as, afternoon when we went back.
I had over 16,000 steps – I am grateful I got out, made some new memories and really had a wonderful time with my son.
Sounds like you had a wonderful quality time! Awesome!
Michele, Thanks for sharing…reading your words made me feel like I was there…great way to start my day!
I have led my life intentionally, for better or for worse! As I age, I believe I have much to offer to the various communities in my life. However, I believe how I do that looks different Yes, I can roll up my sleeves and work side by side with others on any worthy project. Yet, I believe how I show up each day is the way I want to honor all my life experiences to date. All I’ve learned, unlearned, experienced, etc. I want to contribute more by “being” as opposed to doing or telling. This is one way I can honor the gift of my life.
We are human beings but most of us have been taught to be human doings!
I am 70 years old and I love this time of my life. I was a “people pleaser” and worried about what people would think of me for much of my life. Now I can just be “who I am” and do what is right for me. This is very freeing. May everyone’s day be blessed with peace. 🙏🧘♀️🌈