Tuesday 17 July 2012

Giving Thanks!
#Monday Listicles

Having just returned from a 4 night getaway with the girls I am a little behind getting my list together for the Wonderful World of Stasha’s Monday Listicles so I am going with a slight variation on this week's topic of
"10 Thanks!"

I received this email from a high school friend while I was away. It is one of those chain-type emails that you are supposed to send along.  I loved the message and it really struck a chord with me so instead of forwarding it to only 7 people to Thank for their friendship...here is my Monday Listicles post for this week.  Words to ponder.


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

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 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50, 60 &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 jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there 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 somebody's 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 turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

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 old. 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 feel like it).


I really am Thankful and hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, D


18 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing that...I guess it's time to embrace my oldness? :)

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    1. Naaaaahhhh...you still have a good decade plus. Just a heads-up to all you "puppies" out there from an old fart! ;P

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  2. I need to print this out and keep it. I have moments when I'm not so sure about turning older. This was lovely.

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    1. Thanks Jamie! It felt like it was written just for me and makes feeling "old & crotchety" sound so much nicer. :D

      Diane

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  3. I love everything about this email that you shared. I'm not terribly old yet, but I swear, every year that passes--I seem to enjoy things a bit more. With age comes wisdom sure, but like your friend said, it comes with more freedom too.

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    1. It really does Sarah. Either that or I've just given up. LOL! Seriously, there is a feeling of calm...just not always easy to remember in the moment.

      Thanks for reading and commenting. Diane

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  4. Ah, I loved this! Glad you posted it.

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    1. I'm happy you loved it too! After a weekend spent with girlfriends...it pretty much summed up our conversations. HA!

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  5. This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing. So glad you had a great time away!

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    1. Thanks Stasha and hope you didn't mind me taking a little short cut this week. I do so hate to miss out on your #MondayListicles. Something I SO look forward to!

      Diane

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  6. wow beautiful scenery. Riding the Crazy train nominated you so I came on over to take a look see.

    http://vintageboomer.blogspot.com/

    I'm following you now on RSS.

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    1. Thanks for the follow! I'm on my way over to check out your blog! :)

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  7. Diane, So much more eloquent than my much more to the point summation of this time in my life that I generally refer to as the "Don't f**k with me 50's"!
    Sure hope I haven't offended any of your other followers...
    The best thing about your list is that it will take me into the next several decades, if I'm lucky enough to see them. And so much more positive, LOL. I think I will copy and save it! Thanks for that, B

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    1. Eloquent??? Moi...I think NOT! Thanks for that though. I'm right there with ya in your "definition" my friend. :D

      Lucky you...I've pretty much covered most of the list. HA! Like I say...never say DI! (Did you notice the pun???) ;P

      Lunch soon??? I will get on it. D

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    2. I guess I wasn't clear, no I can already identify with the whole list, but my "defination" has an expiry date, it is only good for the one decade of being in my 50"s, your list can apply for all the decades after this one...God willing.
      Got the pun, must be getting late for you...
      and Yes to lunch!
      B

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    3. Ahhhhhhhh...got it! Oish. There really should have been something about comprehension going downhill at lightning speed. Ha!

      Talk to ya soon, D

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  8. Reading this was great. A lot of these things I'm working on.
    And that's great that you got time away with your girlfriends! I hope it was rejuvenating!

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    1. Rejuvenating for my mind...absolutely. My body however...mmmm not so much. Moderation is something we don't practice on a girls weekend. LOL!

      Glad you enjoyed this as much as I did. Diane

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