Age is Just a Number
by Pamelagrace Beatty
Last week a friend of mine said about himself, “I’m just an old white man.” He was 3 years younger than I and although I am neither male nor white, I would hardly describe myself in similar terms. I feel young, despite my chronological age. I’ve managed to stay relatively fit (yes, I could hit the gym more often, but I DO exercise regularly…to some degree). And my friends will tell you I am always taking on new projects, adventures and approaches to life.
Most of my friends do the same. Many of them look amazingly young for their years. And even if they don’t look that young, they are actively engaged with life. Many of my friends have retired and are doing things they love to do. They travel, take joy in and care for their grandchildren, and some even still throw good parties! Some are finally doing the things they wanted to do but couldn’t dedicate time to, while working, like playing in a band or directing a small orchestra, or undertaking major home remodels. Some are doing things on a smaller scale like writing a book (hah!!), painting or reading more books or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Others have taken on new jobs, usually part time, or are volunteering for organizations that are doing something they connect with and feel can make a positive difference for the world or for their neighborhood.p
I can tell the difference between the folks who allow their age to determine who they are and what they are capable of and those who don’t. The former think of themselves as old and limited. They complain a lot about their pains, illnesses and limitations. Remember the old folks you grew up with sitting in the rocker complaining about life, the universe, and everything? I swore I’d never discuss those unfortunate and unwelcomed changes that happen to our bodies as we get really old, regardless of how bothersome they may be. I’d much rather talk about the fun things in my life. If I don’t have any fun things to talk about, well that’s my bad. I can change that. We all can.
We all can decide whether we want to buy into that number and let it determine who we are or whether we want to squeeze every last drop of goodness out of life. I like the idea of living life so fully that when I die, there is nothing left of me but dust.
