It’s official. I am 63 years old today. It’s an age that, when I was younger, I considered to be very old. Decrepit even . And I feel anything but that today. I’ve been told that 60 is the new 40, but I wouldn’t trade, not even if you paid me. Well, maybe if you paid me an awful lot! Why I wouldn’t trade this “certain age,” as Lord Byron called it, are the perspectives of age that my 60’s have given me that I definitely didn’t have in my 40’s. It’s liberating and sometimes a little scary, but I’ll get to that in a minute. So here are three of the big things that I’ve gained with the candle count.
Perspectives of Age: I Don’t Care As Much About What You Say
“I’m rubber and you’re glue. Whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you!” Who didn’t say that a few dozen times in the fifth grade alone? And the reason that I’m thinking of it now is that at 63 I, unlike my 5th grade self, who was so often hurt by the words of others, am now, well, rubber. Most folks, not all, but most, have lost their ability to wound me. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Life in my 60’s has shown me that people who are mean-spirited have so many issues. And the narcissists and bullies out there need a lot more than therapy. The perspective of 63 years helps me see that and move past their nasty comments. It frees up so much life…
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children… to leave the world a better place… to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Perspectives of Age: It’s My Body and Not Your Business
When I was in my late teens I made extra money doing some runway modeling. I didn’t do it for long and I never encouraged my statuesque daughters to pursue the idea of it because, quite frankly, it was awful. And the biggest reason I disliked it was how it made me feel about my body. At 5’9″ tall, I was a fairly tall human, especially for the late 70’s/early 80’s, but I was not exactly lythe. Ads told me I was fat. I was not, but damned if I didn’t think I was. Age, has given me so much perspective on this issue. Bruce’s encouragement doesn’t hurt either, but at 63 years old this is the only body that I’m going to have. And I’m ok with that. I so admire women like Audi Crooks, who haven’t taken all the time it’s taken me to learn this valuable lesson.
And Speaking of Time… Here’s The Third One
When you’re young, sometimes time seems to drag. You’re twelve and can’t wait to be twelve-and-a-half. And this measly six months takes approximately 27 years in kid time. And then suddenly you’re 63, married to the love-of-your-life, with four of the most amazing adult children, and it’s flying. Bruce and I say it on the daily. Because we met so late in life, there will never be enough time with each other. NEVER. PERIOD. Every day is a gift. And there will never be enough visits with those beautiful babies who are the sun and the moon and the stars to us. It goes by fast my friends. Don’t waste it.
Have a blessed day. Marianne
And if you’re still looking for more, check out my previous blogs like: A Letter to My Mom with Alzheimer’s and Stories of Real Retail Customers That Will Make You Smile.
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