I am now probably for the time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be, Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body - the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the saggy butt. And often I am taken aback by that old 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, my loving family, for less grey hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself. I've even become my own friend. I don't hide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement geko that I did'nt need, but looks so good on my patio. I'm entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. 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 anyway if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4pm, and sleep until noon. I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60s 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's stretched over a bulging body, and I will love into the waves with abandon I if choose to, despite the pitying glances of the bikini set. They too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful, but there again, some 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 grey and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched deep into the 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 meant it, I can "yes" and meant it.

As you older, its easier to be positive. You care less about what 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. I has set me free, I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I'm 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.

Today, I wish you a day of ordinary miracles.

Author Unknown



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