"Over the Hill and Loving It: Birthday Cheers to the Years...

It was truly a surreal experience to visit my school after a few decades...When I introduced myself  to the Principal she said, "Oh my, you are the oldest old student I've met!" "Now I feel ancient," I quipped.  She replied, "But you hardly look so old."  Though it was probably a conciliatory remark to make me feel better, it did help me feel good and I returned with great memories. 

The Principal's words stayed with me, sparking thoughts about how we perceive aging and its implications. When time pulls you along the wrong side of every decade ...does the burden of age fall heavily on your shoulders? Are you the kind who feels  - Ohhh I want to live long for sure, but who wants to grow OLD?  Or the kind that thinks like George Burns who said, "You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old."  

I feel both when my birthday looms up on New Year's Day. 😊 New year, new month, new day, and a new age..... 

Birthdays are fascinating because they carry a duality - celebration and introspection. It's the joyous occasion of another year lived, filled with experiences, relationships, and growth. It's a day when people around you express their love and make you feel cherished.    

Parents, siblings, spouse, children, grandchildren, extended family, and all those friends rush in to envelop you with their abundant warmth, affection, and beautifully thoughtful gifts.

Yet, the concept of aging often brings mixed emotions. While birthdays symbolize wisdom and the stories we've accumulated, they remind us of time's fleeting nature. Society often frames aging as something undesirable, but it’s worth remembering that each year adds depth to who we are and the lives we touch.

Perhaps the secret is to celebrate the milestones, embrace the wisdom, and focus on living vibrantly, no matter the number of candles on the cake. Actually, it's beautiful to see another chapter unfold in your life.

Feel Good About Aging

• Wisdom and Growth: Lessons were learned, weren't they? And you built resilience, didn't you? And now maybe you've grown emotionally stronger.
• Remember: Aging is a privilege denied to many. Each birthday is a reminder of the gift of being alive and embarking on a new adventure for the next 365 days....
• Focus: Priorities become clearer with age .... trivial things stop bothering you and you know what exactly is going to keep you happy and motivated.... you do just that...be it your relationships, your passion, or looking after yourself
• Accountability: External validation doesn't matter anymore...you have established your own path of life as ethically and as contentedly as you would like it to be....embrace your authentic self with pride.
• Mentor:  People start coming to you for insights, advice, and direction about how they can get on with their lives.... enjoy the mentorship... share your stories and create your own unique legacy! Believe me, being the go-to person for those seeking your advice or guidance, is a richly rewarding experience!

Aging woe and how it can go

As age catches up, there are some adjustments and compromises that can help you not feel overwhelmed ... 

• Physical: Wrinkles - you have rejuvenating products that are safe for your skin, facial exercises, and a healthy diet to keep that complexion glowing...Slower energy - Stay active with age-appropriate exercises and supplements, guided by your physician."...Health concerns -  Regular checkups, addressing issues sensibly and effectively, enjoying meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious, and optimum physical activity keep you healthy at any age. ....
• When youth is glorified: Do you feel a sense of loss? Don't! Learn to be content and find joy in everyday little things, the luxuries you can afford now... working at your own pace, tete-a-tete with friends, family get-togethers and celebrations....the absence of feeling rushed and stressed to reach deadlines... it's now time for leisure, comfort, and activity on your terms! When a good friend turned 68 she decided she would run to keep active.  So far she's run three marathons,  gearing up for 4th ... and no she didn't trail behind! ... If she can, you can!
• Time Running Out: That's daunting indeed!.. But then it's all in your mindset, look back at your achievements with pride, and look forward to the coming days without the fear of having to prove yourself...believe me... the anxiety will eventually wither away! 

Balancing the Two

It helps to focus on the positives while addressing the negatives with care. Staying active, cultivating hobbies, and building meaningful relationships can ease the journey. Aging is less about the years you've lived and more about how you choose to fill them with purpose and joy. 

How do you plan to look at 60? Like the 'girl' on the left? Or the harried old lady on the right? So...Start feeling good and looking good ... don't let yourself be bogged down by pessimism, and a feeling of hopelessness...reach out and there's always someone ready to get you back on track to remain awesome and fulfilled!