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"One of the greatest things about getting older is that you can look behind and see how it went and that helps you look forward."
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One night last week while taking my after-dinner walk, I suddenly had a thought. Actually, it wasn't a thought, it was more like a powerful realization that seemed to ripple throughout my mind, body and spirit.

It felt like a reawakening.

At 62 years old, I feel as though I have more energy and feel more alive than I did when I was in my 30's, 40's, and 50's. I know it sounds completely insane to say this but I actually feel younger now, than I did when I was younger. I've always had a great deal of energy, however, when I was younger my energy was scattered. Now that I'm older, my energy feels more channeled because I'm consciously aware of how to use it.

Sure, being 62, I have experienced the physical "dings and dents" that come with aging. But, regardless of those changes in my body, I somehow feel stronger and more resilient than ever.

I've always been adventurous and open to trying new things. Yet at this age, I feel even more adventurous and more open to learning.

In a strange way, much like crystal clear windows, it feels as though I'm looking through cleaner eyes; viewing everything fresh.

When I was a child, I always longed to be older. I somehow sensed that as I grew in age, I would relax into myself; discovering the gifts that come with aging.

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Change:

Nothing is permanent, whether it be a time of great struggle and turmoil, or a time of great ease and smooth sailing. Times are never permanent. I'm learning to go with the flow of change; discovering its value. Aging...no matter how hard we try to resist it, will happen. So I might as well embrace it and focus on the perks.

Fear:

I think there are primarily two kinds of fear. There is the fear that comes in the way of intuition, warning me not to go there because it's dangerous. That kind of fear is positive.

But there is also the fear that taps into my insecurities, stopping me from growing because of "What if I fail?" That kind of fear is not-so positive because it can paralyze me into doing nothing.

I was born with many fears, all of which have at one time or another pushed my buttons into a panic. Yet at the same time, these fears have been my greatest teachers because they've pissed me off to the point of overcoming them, by walking through them.

Yes...I am fearful.

But I refuse to give into it.

Acceptance:

I'm learning that instead of struggling and trying to get everything to go my way, it's often easier to accept the things I cannot change and grow from them because struggling makes it so much harder to experience. I've learned that through acceptance, there comes great power. Very often, a road block will direct me to a better place.

Taking Chances:

Playing it safe all the time, to me anyway, is boring. I was taught as a child to always play it safe because that's what my parents were taught. Yet, I never thought it was a healthy way to live life.

Taking careless chances is one thing.

However, taking chances because I feel in my gut that it's the right thing to do, regardless of how afraid I might be, is the only way to grow and expand.

Staying involved with life and keeping it moving:

I've learned to hang on to my childlike wonder, and in doing so I stay involved and curious about life.

This is why I enjoy being in the presence of children. They instantly remind me how important those two things are to growth.

Children also remind me the importance of not taking everything so seriously, and to remain playful.

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I am extremely grateful for where I'm at this time of my life and where age has taken me. Now I understand what they mean by "your golden years" because that's exactly how it feels.

Like gold.


"Aging is not lost youth, but a new window of opportunity and strength."


Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week, y'all!
X

32 comments:

  1. Looking back I think the sixties were my best years. I had everything I wanted or needed to make life easy and enjoyable. Health was good, too... that is always so but in my case it was an emergence into a time when all pain, physical and mental, was dealt with and forgotten. I think the older we get the more peaceful life is.

    'Aging is not lost youth, but a new window of opportunity and strength'

    How true!

    The snow has cleared and the sun is shining - a bit like life, when you think about it.

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  2. " I think learning to accept things you can't change is the most important one to me. It's been helpful in my relationships to understand this."

    Yes, me as well. And through accepting things we can't change, eventually we begin to the reason.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Sending you lots of good energy and love!

    ((((((((((((((( You ))))))))))))))))

    X

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  3. Inspiring post. Ron! Your words make me look forward to getting to the place where you're at. I struggle with some of those things, like change and acceptance, but I know they're a part of life.

    " it's often easier to accept the things I cannot change and grow from them because struggling makes it so much harder to experience. I've learned that through acceptance, there comes great power. Very often, a road block will direct me to a better place." God, you are so right about that. Looking back, I can see that road blocks happened for a reason.

    Love the final quote!

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  4. Hey there Valerie, happy to hear you say that! I don't why, but so far my sixties have been such a wonderful reawakening. Almost like being reborn with a young spirit yet, still being 62 years old.

    "I think the older we get the more peaceful life is."

    Yes, you nailed it, and thank you for adding that to this post topic because that's exactly how I feel - peaceful.

    "The snow has cleared and the sun is shining - a bit like life, when you think about it."

    HA! Right you are, my friend! However, today, here along the northeast of the US, we're getting hit with a HUGE blizzard, can you believe that? But you know me, I'm really enjoying one more good snowfall before Spring.

    Have a lovely week, and thanks so much for stopping by!
    X

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  5. Helloooooooo Elaine!

    Thanks, my friend :) I really felt inspired to share on this topic because it's something that I've been feeling lately. Also, I think it's important to share our aging journey with others so that people know that aging can/is a positive thing. I think it's all in how we choose to look at it.

    "...and hanging on to your childlike wonder. That's why I cherish spending time with my grandchildren, they bring such joy to life!"

    I LOVE kids! Whenever I see them in their strollers in our store, I will always stop, wave, and smile at them. And most of the time, they wave and smile back. Kids are great!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a great rest of your week!
    X

    OMG...I knew it was going to snow, but I didn't think it would snow THAT much. However, you know me....I LOVE it! I had off today, so I was outside walking in it.

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  6. Some great thoughts, Ron, especially helpful to me right now! I think learning to accept things you can't change is the most important one to me. It's been helpful in my relationships to understand this.

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  7. Ron, I agree with Debbie and say, this is a fabulous post! Full of wisdom. You're an excellent writer because you have the ability to express your thoughts and feelings so clearly. You and I are about the same age, so this post is a timely reflection for me. A lot of what you shared here are things I need to hear. So true, aging, no matter how hard we resist it, will happen. It's best to accept it and not look back.

    I love what you said about children and hanging on to your childlike wonder. That's why I cherish spending time with my grandchildren, they bring such joy to life!

    Ron, thank you so much for sharing your insight about aging and seeing the GOLD in it. Loved that! X

    P.S.Hey, how about all the snow we're getting today? It's been like a blizzard.

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  8. Ron, this is a fabulous post! It's full of wisdom, encouragement, and optimism without being preachy.

    I saw a 90-year-old man on TV the other day who was doing ballroom dancing, working out, and a host of other things most folks his age can't (or won't) do; best of all, his face was unwrinkled, he was slim and trim, and you could tell he loved being alive.

    I think that's key -- a love of life. Yes, we all have pains, challenges, and heartaches as we age, but we don't have to give in to them. Research tells us that looking on the bright side is way better for health and longevity than succumbing to isolation and sadness. Sounds like you've learned a lot in your 62 years, my friend -- thanks for sharing your knowledge, and have a wonderful weekend (are y'all in for some snow??) xx

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  9. Hey there Candice!

    " I struggle with some of those things, like change and acceptance, but I know they're a part of life."

    Oh trust me, I still do struggle with these things, however, it's getting easier as time goes on.

    Like you said, everything happens for a reason. We might not see that at first, but eventually it becomes clear.

    Isn't that quote FAB? I found it online.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and have a terrific week!
    X

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  10. Aw, thank you, Debbie :) I started to write this post two days ago and then finished it late last night after I got home from work.

    "I saw a 90-year-old man on TV the other day who was doing ballroom dancing, working out, and a host of other things most folks his age can't (or won't) do; best of all, his face was unwrinkled, he was slim and trim, and you could tell he loved being alive."

    OH. MY. GOD....that's AMAZING....he's 90-years old?!?! That just goes to show us that it IS possible to live to a ripe age and live with ZEST!

    And you're absolutely right...that's the key, a love of life and stay involved.

    "Research tells us that looking on the bright side is way better for health and longevity than succumbing to isolation and sadness. "

    My father was always an optimist, which is something I always admired about him.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and observations on this topic, you've added much!

    Have a super week and weekend, my friend!

    X

    (are y'all in for some snow??) Yes!....in fact we got hit with a HUGE snow blizzard today. It's calmed down since this morning, but it's still snowing. And the weather channel says we have more coming in the next two weeks.

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  11. Great post, Ron. You are clearly young at heart and an adventurous spirit, because not many people would embrace change the way you are by making a big move to New York City this year! I applaud you. And I share your childlike sense of wonder, as well. Or maybe I'm just immature?

    Must not overthink this, Mark.

    In any case, have yourself a fantastic weekend!

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  12. Hi Ron !
    When we discovered each other, you were 52 or 50, so you will always be that to me.

    I have been reading all your updates for months - by the way - I have been your biggest fan in the shadows.

    But I felt I had to let you know. I am glad you are well. Can't wait for your move to NYC ! I think you will have my e-mail. Let's chat sometimes.

    Jaffer

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  13. Hey there Jaffer....it's sooooooooooooo good to see you, my friend! OMG...it's totally ironic that you commented today because last week you popped into my thoughts, I kid you not. I was wondering how you were and what you were up to. I was remembering how years ago, we (Kathy, Meleah, Babs, you and I) were all blogging together. What a great time that was! And I miss those times of blogging.

    Yes, a lot has changed since then, but I'm doing well and enjoying live. Hope you are too! Hope your family is well also!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. What a treat! And yes, I have your email so that we can chat. I will be moving to NYC at the end of the summer (in Sept) and I can't wait. I'm so looking forward to moving back to my favorite city on the east coast.

    Have a grrrrrreat weekend!

    X

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  14. Thanks so much for your kind and supportive words, Mark. I really appreciate that!

    Moving to New York City is something I know in my heart of hearts is the right thing for me to do at this time in my life. Ever since I made the decision last summer, everything has just naturally fallen into place in getting me there. I want this next chapter of my life to be in a place that feels like "home" to me, a place where I feel inspired to grow, expand and feel connected to. And that's New York!

    "And I share your childlike sense of wonder, as well. Or maybe I'm just immature?"

    No, you're not immature at all, you're just like me....you want to experience a lot things in this life, so we can't be afraid to follow our hearts and take chances to move where our hearts call us.

    I applaud you too, my friend! For not being afraid to change, move, and grow!

    Bravo!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a faaaaaaaaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X to you and Tara

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  15. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comFriday, March 09, 2018

    You are so inspiring, my friend!

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  16. I love this, Ron. Love. It. I am not to my sixties yet, but give me a few years . Still, I'm already embracing aging. About a year ago, for instance, I decided to stop coloring my hair - an dI'm loving the silver streaks in it. I feel like I've earned them. I am so much more comfortable in my own skin, and with my own voice than I was when I was younger. I look forward to what the years ahead will bring. Have a fantastic weekend, my enlightened friend!

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  17. Thank you, Fiona :) And thank you for stopping by!

    Have a fantastic weekend, my friend!
    X

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  18. Thank you :)

    "About a year ago, for instance, I decided to stop coloring my hair - an dI'm loving the silver streaks in it. I feel like I've earned them. "

    *applause and cheers*

    That's AWESOME!!!!! And I am so happy to hear that you stopped coloring your hair; allowing the silver streaks to shine. When I was still doing hair, I used to try and convince all my female customers to stop coloring their hair and just go grey. MANY of them did and ending up loving it. Whether it be a man or woman....I think grey, salt and pepper, and silver hair looks so beautiful and very sexy. And you're right....it's something we've earned, so be proud of it.

    "I am so much more comfortable in my own skin, and with my own voice than I was when I was younger. I look forward to what the years ahead will bring."

    Isn't it so wonderfully freeing to be at this point in our lives where we settle into ourselves (body, mind and spirit) and just accept it? It's so freeing!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insight, my Libra friend! Have a fantabulous weekend!
    X

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  19. Matt, thank you for your sweet words. When I was younger, I used to struggle with so many of these things and get so frustrated, which made them so much harder to experience. Back in my 30's I began searching for healthier ways of looking at things instead of fighting with them. Slowly, I began to learn. To be honest though, there are times when I still DO struggle. However, I am always reminded of what I learned in the past so it helps me move forward.

    "If we can't change it, we can change our perceptive, right?"

    Yes, absolutely!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a fantastic Sunday!

    X

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  20. Ron, in all the years we've been blogging together, I've learned so much from your life experiences. You have such an awesome way of looking at things in a positive way. I remember when you were in the hospital several years ago and the post you shared about what you learned. Frightening as it was, you embraced the whole experience and learned a great deal. You continue to show me that it's all about how we look at things that's important. If we can't change it, we can change our perceptive, right?

    Thank you for being a huge source of inspiration for me, dude!

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  21. Ron, you have no idea how much I needed this. You always seem to have blogged about something I need to hear... or about something I am going through. And here you go again. I have been with the same organization for 29 years. TWENTY NINE YEARS. I am 52 years old. WAY too old to look for another job, right? NO. As much as I love the organization and knew I would hit 30 and eventually retire there, I know it won't happen. My work environment has become toxic and I am looking for a new job. The organization is amazing... it is the particular department I am in. We are underpaid and a lot is going on I can't talk about. So I am currently, at 52 years old, looking and interviewing. It is SCARY. But I have to leave the comfort zone and do this. I HAVE TO. Your words rang true. I am afraid but I am strong and moving on. I am so glad to be back on the web and to see THIS post! XXXOOO AND I STILL WANT TO MEET YOU IN PERSON!!! Bucket list!

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  22. Hey, Ron, this is such a fantastic post! You touch on so many vital issues. I turned 60 in May and I've spent far too much time being afraid, worried, and resistant to change.

    I'm really appreciate your thoughts on taking chances, acceptance, and recognizing the different types of fear. It's a good time to drop all those things that hold us back and enjoy our golden years!

    Take care, buddy!

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  23. Your post is still resonating with me. I've spent a lot of time in reflection because of your words. Thank you. I sincerely needed this at this time.

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  24. Hey there Lisa!

    Thank you for your sweet, encouraging and supportive words, my friend : )

    "While I agree with all your assessments, many times I still find it difficult to embrace change, experience fear of the unknown, and struggle with acceptance of situations I don't like!"

    Oh trust me, I STILL find it a challenge to embrace change, experience fear of the unknown, and struggle with acceptance of situations I don't like. However, it's getting easier and easier to overcome those things because whenever live my life throws me a challenge, I think about the previous challenges in my life and remember how I got through them, which gives me faith that I will be guided and directed how to get through them again and again. I remember being in the hospital two years ago, very ill and very scared, but I could sense that if I just embraced it and trusted that everything I needed would be given to me when I needed it, it would all work out. And it did.

    Yes, I've read many of your Spark posts and REALLY enjoyed them. I will definitely consider participating because it seems like something I would really enjoy. Thanks for your recommendation.

    Have a glorious week and thanks so much for stopping by!
    X

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  25. Oh.em.geeeeee, Ron! This post is simply fabulous. ...when I was younger my energy was scattered. Now that I'm older, my energy feels more channeled because I'm consciously aware of how to use it. What wonderful insight. In fact, your entire post is wonderful insight. I can actually feel the energy you have while reading it. While I agree with all your assessments, many times I still find it difficult to embrace change, experience fear of the unknown, and struggle with acceptance of situations I don't like! Yes, I'm the antithesis of all your wonderful insight! :-) I will certainly be re-reading this post many times this week. Also, I think you'd fit perfectly with the blog hop I'm participating in called Sparks. You are a definite light in the darkness and do a wonderful job of spreading positive energy. Take care and have a glorious week.

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  26. Hey there Rob!

    It's ironic because shortly after I turned 60, you may remember that I went through that horrible health crisis when I was hospitalize for two weeks because I was so damn sick. I think it was then that my whole outlook on life changed because I had nothing else to do while in the hospital but reflect on what that illness was teaching me. That was a huge turning point in my life and how I perceived life's challenges. That experience taught me so much about acceptance and trust.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Hope all is well and that you're recovering quickly!

    Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week!
    X

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  27. Helloooooooooooooo there Katherine!

    It's soooooooooooooooooooooo great too see ya, my friend, you've been missed. Hope all is well and that you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    "So I am currently, at 52 years old, looking and interviewing. It is SCARY. But I have to leave the comfort zone and do this. I HAVE TO. "

    BRAVO....and good for you! You know, there comes a time in everyone's life where we have to make decisions based on what we feel in our gut and trust that it's the RIGHT decision. I was 57 when I decided to leave a job I had been with for TEN years because, like you, it felt toxic. Many people thought I was stupid for changing jobs at that age but I did it anyway and I'm glad I followed my gut because it ended up being the best choice. In fact, it's the job I still have now which I LOVE, and the job that is enabling me to transfer to NYC at the end of the summer. So I can tell from experience, follow your heart and trust that all will work out for the best. Because it will.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope all is well with your sinuses and the health of your son. Have a great week!

    ((((((((((((((((( You ))))))))))))))))))))
    X

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  28. "I'm a work in progress and always will be. '

    LOVED that, Pat! And you are spot on because it's true...we are all a work in progress.

    And thank you for sharing so openly and honestly on this post, you've added much. I think if we're honest, we can all say that we've had some kind of dysfunction in our family while growing up. It was certainly true in my family. But those dysfunctions taught me a lot, as I got older. I too had some counseling along the way, which helped a lot.

    "We think we need a lot more than we really do. What we need is to be fulfilled and settled. "

    AMEN! And that's one of the MAIN things I learned while living in Japan from the Japanese. To live simple.

    Have a great rest of your week, buddy!
    X

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  29. Hi Ron! This is a great post, and very thought provoking.
    I'm almost 68 now, and it took me a long time to realize that I'm a work in progress and always will be. I grew up in a very poor (and dysfunctional) family. As I started getting older I was obsessed that I wouldn't be a poor adult, nor would I subject my children to it. Eventually, I realized that it wasn't the fact that my family was poor that affected me at all, it was how dysfunctional it was.
    We think we need a lot more than we really do. What we need is to be fulfilled and settled. That is pretty much where I am now, but it certainly wasn't easy getting here. Some counseling along the way really helped.

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  30. So glad this post touched you, Lisa. I love how so often in blogging, we will sometimes post topics that resonate with so many others at the same time. In fact, you've posted many topics on your blog that resonated with me at the exact time I needed it. So, thank YOU.

    (((((((((((((((((((( You )))))))))))))))))))

    X

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  31. Hey Ron! I seriously LOVE this post!! Lots of food for thought. I will have to let you know when I get in to my 60's...I am turning 60 later this year! I watched on the news last night...they had a 98 year old woman...that you would swear was in her 70's! She was freakin' AMAZING!! She cheers on this basketball team at every game and gets the whole team together before the start of the game for a prayer! What an amazing story! Every now and then we run in to someone like that...someone who is really inspiring! YOU are that person to me. You really write such inspiring posts and always get me to thinking! DEEP thinking!! That is a very special quality to have my friend! You really seem to have it all figured out...and I agree with you...it is important to take risks! Life would be totally boring if we never took risks! So, ROCK ON and keep doing what you are doing! Hope all's well! xo

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  32. Hey there Jeanne! Thank you for your sweet, kind and encouraging words :)

    " I will have to let you know when I get in to my 60's...I am turning 60 later this year! I watched on the news last night...they had a 98 year old woman...that you would swear wOas in her 70's! She was freakin' AMAZING!!"

    Wait and see, you'll LOVE being in your 60's! Honestly, I feel more alive and much younger now than I did when I was younger. There is a sense of peace and freedom that comes with aging, a sense that you have nothing to lose by trying something new; taking chances; and acceptance. The woman you speak of sounds AMAZING! I know several women here in Philly (in their 70's and 80's) that seem much younger because they stay active and involved in life.

    "Life would be totally boring if we never took risks!"

    Amen! I agree!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope all is well and that you're enjoying the anticipation of SPRING!

    XO

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