My inspiration for this post came from my dear, longtime blogging friend, Debbie @ Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who is not only a gifted...
October 2, 2020 marked my 65th year on this planet.
One of the most valuable things I've learned through aging is acceptance. And acceptance not only when it comes to aging, but with life's many twists and turns as well.
And do you know what?
I have to say, I truly enjoy aging.
Aging is something, even as a kid, I eagerly anticipated because I always felt like an old soul and that my body needed to catch up to it.
I couldn't wait to acquire gray hair and lines on my face.
I find an "aged face" attractive. Even sexy. And that goes for men and women.
To be honest, young, smooth, unlined faces are uninteresting to me because they haven't yet developed any character.
There is nothing more beautiful or handsome than a face that's been embossed with character because it's like seeing a map of someone's journey.
So yes, I am an advocate for aging. And not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well.
Today I would like to share my own perception on aging.
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About The Body
Although I consider myself an optimist, I'm a realist. And there is one thing I've learned about the body. No matter what I do in the way of eating, exercising, taking supplements, skin care and body care, my body is going to age.
That's a fact of life.
Therefore, the best thing I can do for myself is to take care of my body, but also be realistic.
I've been blessed with a strong body that has been extremely healthy most of my life. Sure, I've had a few medical issues come up over the years, but my body seems to heal quickly. I also have a tremendous amount of energy. In fact, there have been several 20-year-old's who I've worked with that have asked, "Ron, where the hell do you get all your energy? You never seem to tire." Yet, I have noticed various things changing. The joints in my hands and knees sometimes ache. My reading eyesight is becoming more challenged. I have to get up in the middle of the night to urinate more frequently. And I've noticed that I forget things, so I have to be diligent about making to-do lists.
One of the most helpful things anyone can do as they age is to not expose themselves to the bombardment of advertising and social media that brainwashes the public into believing that their face and body should remain forever young. And that used to be something that was targeted only at women, but it is now something men are dealing with as well because society is obsessed with staying young.
Trust me, years ago I worked at a medi-spa where I would see women and men come in for Botox, fillers, and body sculpting procedures to recapture their youth. And it was sad because it never seemed enough. They always wanted more and more treatments. All they could see when they looked in a mirror, were faults and imperfections. Many would say, "I have no intention of ever aging. And I will fight it with everything I can."
Now, I do believe in taking care of my skin and body? Yes, I sure do. However, I have no desire to look like I did when I was younger. I take care of myself because I want to be healthy and always look clean and well-groomed at any age.
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About Acceptance
I've realized that no matter what happens, life goes on. Evolution requires life to move.
So I've learned (and am still learning) to embrace what I can't control. And to create grace around it.
Aging has taught me that my life is continually transitioning. Which is why I try to embrace things, rather than struggle with them.
When I allow things to be as they are rather than try to control every aspect of my life, I make space for what’s next.
And that's a big part of aging.
Acceptance; continually making space; and moving upward.
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About History
My past is what made me what I am today.
It's my history.
And what aging has taught me is that everything in my history added value to my life. And like most people, my history (particularly in my childhood) included periods in which I was challenged not to see them in any other way than negative experiences. However, in time, I realized they were not.
Over the past eight months, I've had a lot of alone time to reflect on particular parts of my history by bringing them closer. I now view them with tremendous gratitude. And as difficult as some of those moments were in my childhood, I believe 100% they were necessary. Because although those experiences were choices and actions made by other people, they were my lessons to learn from.
I can't change my history. I can only accept it. And I can either see myself as a victim, or I can see my history as something that gave me opportunities to evolve.
No one on this planet grows up without bruises or scars.
No one.
Yet, looking back, I wouldn't change a single thing about my history.
And that's the truth.
My truth.
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The Value in Aging
It doesn't surprise me being an advocate for aging that my favorite types of buildings are old. That's one of the reasons why I enjoy the cities here in the Northeast -- they have such character. In fact, just the other day I was walking in a section of Philly known as, Old City, and found myself looking up at the some of the most deliciously gritty, vintage architecture, and felt so connected to it.
And that's because of its history.
One of the things I cherished about traveling to certain cities in Europe and Asia, was their long, rich history that you could feel as you walked through the streets.
Whenever I see an old building or structure, it's such a potent reminder to me about how aging has value.
Yes, as we age, our structure does change.
But with aging also comes valuable experiences, an acquired wisdom, and a beauty that is only attained through the process of aging.
Just like an old building with its discoloration, and nicks and cracks, it continues to reveal a soulfulness that only history has the power to create.
And that is exactly how I perceive aging.
As having tremendous value and beauty...
Have a faaaantastic weekend, everyone!
💗
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