The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.
Old Age, 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 sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), 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 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 avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, 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 if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 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 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 feel like it)

You go for the desert Mello!! I'll try not to pick subject people can't handle.

Good post.

BEAUITIFULLY WRITTEN. People always say "I wish I could do it all over knowing what I know now" Thank you for your wisdom. Nicki

I think your post was beautiful. I just turned 30 and no matter how old you are I think everyone ponders this fact "getting older". I beleave it is a privelage and an honor to be able to get older. I commend you for celebrating your age. I think this country in general is obssesed with youth. Age is something that in the future I hope more people will embrace and celebrate.

Keep on keeping on

Anna

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Mello , what a beautiful healthy way to feel. Your amazing! Although I believe it was ignorance on the part of the person asking such a question, you are handling it well, and you are so right. You have a great attitude! Your an inspiration. I believe a person is only as old as they feel!

What a wonderful outlook on growing older. And, so well written. Thanks!

What a lovely, honest way to look at life and the joys of earning our laugh lines.

Thank you for the reminder that life is so short and time is so precious.Like you, I want to live life to its fullest!! Awsome attitude....

T hank You, Thank You, I really needed to read this I will be 40 next year I to want to live till my hair truns gray. You know it really does'nt matter where my body parts are going its where my heart leads me. Once agin I want to thank you.
Tabby

Hey! Mello Nello!!
Very good.
I'll be 79 in December.
I feel pretty much the same. I may not be quite as well adjusted. LOL
You sound great!!
MaryJane