Someone once asked Lucille Ball how to stay young and she replied, "Live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age." I guess I will lie about my age. I was going to start a new blog, Life at 86, but then I thought, No, I will lie about my age and stay 85.....after all, that makes me sooooooooooooo young.
Enough of my silliness. This is sort of like New Year's Eve. What is coming in the new year? What will I do? Who will I meet? Will I live another year? I know this last question sounds odd, but when you get to be my age, it is very real. I was just reading in the paper this morning that at the beginning of the twentieth century, the expected life time was 47. Now, in 2011 it has gone up to 79. So....I have made it over that hurdle. I would love to live to about 110. There is just so much to see and do I want to be around a little longer.
The actor Taye Digas has just written a children's book called Chocolate Me. It is all about self-esteem, self-awareness and how to love your differences. He said to embrace your differences.
When you think about it, this applies to us whatever age, whatever color, whatever faith. We need to learn to EMBRACE ourselves the way we are. So today, I embrace that I am old. Being old doesn't mean one can't read, think, and enjoy life. I have heard, over the years, many people who dread getting old. (it's a lot better alternative than not getting old).
Some people complain that they have so many medications. I take a handful in the morning and four at night. I am thankful. My ancestors would have probably lived a lot longer if they had had medications to help them.
Most people, including me, complain about their aches and pains. I guess that is one of the things we just have to learn to live with. I don't like it, but there are so many things to enjoy. I try to be happy and look for those things each day. In fact, one thing I say almost every morning is "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Ps. 118:24
If it is raining, I rejoice that I can stay inside with a cup of coffee and a good book. If it is sunny, I can look out my window and see the beautiful rust and gold leaves covering the tree across the street. I can hug Annie, my sweet little dog, and get a big wet kiss on my nose. How much love can you handle? I can get absorbed in doing a painting, or writing.(I just started a novel. At the moment the title is Family Secrets. I'm sure I will change it fifty times before I am through.) I may not live long enough to finish it, but if I don't, just think of all the fun I have had writing it.
Embrace your life. Do what you can. Find joy in something you enjoy. Life is too short not to enjoy all you can. I am not the neat housekeeper I once was, but I am enjoying my life a lot more. Be happy, be well, and.......................................
until next time,
Be kind to one another
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