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Last month I turned 67. And although that is far from being a fossil, I don't feel as though I'm 67; I feel more like I'm still in my 30s. At work, a lot of my younger coworkers will often say, "Ron, where do you get all your energy? Don't you ever get tired?" To be honest, I've always had a lot of energy. It's something I was born with. For instance, except for my good friend Kelly, who walks fast, I walk faster than most people. I walk like a roadrunner; leaving pedestrians in the dust. 

But yes, my physicality has gradually changed over time; particularly within the past few years. Such as my eyesight with reading; my joints become stiff now and then; I have to get up in the middle of the night to urinate more often; forgetfulness; and the development of crepey skin on my neck, arms, and legs. But I've learned to accept these things because let's be honest, no matter what any of us do to care for the physical, our body will change as we age. Yet I discovered something that makes aging so much easier. Keeping a positive attitude while remaining realistic by embracing the aging process instead of clutching on to what was, because what was, was

I still (and will continue to) take care of myself by being conscious of what I eat; getting a certain amount of exercise and meditation; sleep; taking supplements; and caring for my skin. 

However, I think of myself as an automobile. My body requires maintenance and tune-ups, but eventually it will become vintage.  

And because I've been in the beauty industry for most of my life, I realize this even more. No cream or medispa injection procedure will bring back what was. So, it's wise to face the reality that we will all age. But that doesn't mean we lose beauty. 

Besides, why are beauty and aging two separate things? We can age and be beautiful.

And another thing, I think the word anti-aging should be obliterated from all cosmetic products. As if aging is something we need to feel anti about.

But more than my physicality, what I've noticed most about how I've changed are my thoughts, attitudes, and feelings about myself and life. And how I choose to live my next chapter. 

I used to feel that my job was who I was. For most of my life, all of my energy went into whatever career I had. That's how I identified myself and my worth. Through my work. I used to work my ass off by doing more than what they expected of me. I never said no to anything. I was a total workhorse. And that's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did. Or I wouldn't have done it. I loved to work. And I still do. 

But ever since the world changed overnight two years ago, my perception has drastically changed. Like most people, my life came to a standstill in which work was no longer happening; particularly in my line of work, which requires "in person" customer service. The pandemic forced me to stand still and reevaluate who I was without my work. And it was a huge challenge for me because that's where my time and attention were directed. Rarely did I ever take a vacation and use my PTO. All I did was work, work, work.    

Therefore, when the lockdown happened, I seriously had to examine who I was without work. 

But I remember feeling that if I used that time as a way for me to see what I needed to learn from it, I would. All things happen for a reason. We just need to leave ourselves open to having that reason revealed. 

After much consideration, I made the choice to take early social security, so that I wouldn't have to work as much. I realized how important it was for me to chill and take time to enjoy things about my life outside of work. 

I will never fully retire because I truly find joy in going to work and being of service to others. I believe I am here to serve and give back to this world and the people who live in it. 

But I have a completely different outlook about my work than in the past. 

Now my job works for me, rather than me working for my job. I no longer need to work all the hours I used to because of my social security supplement. I now only work part time, which gives me a lot of time to experience different things in my life. 

And I no longer see my job as my sole identity, or value.

When I am working, I'm 100% focused on it. However, when I am not working, I don't think about it at all. And I no longer say yes to everything. If I am asked to work an additional shift and I want to, I will. But if I don't, I won't.

I am really enjoying where I'm at in my life right now. 

I feel free from the self-inflicted pressure I used to place on myself to always do, do, do.

And yes, my body has changed and will continue to change. But I know that's part of the aging process.

I would like to conclude this post by sharing something I used to think about when I was a kid. 

I don't know why, but I couldn't wait to get older. On a physical level, I used to look at older people and think they were so attractive. To me, they had such interesting faces with character - faces that had a history and looked lived in. I also had a fascination with gray and salt and pepper hair. On a deeper level, I sensed I would gain a clearer understanding of life and where I fit in. I somehow knew that the longer I lived, the more comfortable I would become in my own skin

And all those thoughts I had as a kid, did in fact, come true.

As I've aged, I have become more and more comfortable - body, mind, and spirit. 

I have a deeper understanding of life and where I fit in.

My life at this moment feels much more relaxed and simple, but adventurous. 

I am tremendously grateful for my life, including the difficulties, and where it's taken me... 
   



Have an extraordinary rest of your week, everyone! 💗


35 comments:

  1. What an inspiring post, Ron! As I was reading your words, I kept nodding my head in agreement with all of what you shared. Isn't it something how the pandemic/lockdown changed the way so many of us think and feel? I can relate to what you said about your work being your identity and worth because it's how I feel sometimes.

    And this was so spot on - "And another thing, I think the word anti-aging should be obliterated from all cosmetic products. As if aging is something we need to feel anti about." - I agree!!! That word gives the impression that we need to fight the aging process cause it's a BAD thing. I've noticed over the years how men too are also feeling the pressure of looking older, when in the past it was only us women.

    I'm going to share this post with several of my friends who are struggling with aging. I think they would really benefit from your words. And by the way, I love the photo collage of you at various stages of your life. How handsome you were, and still are!

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  2. Morning, Candice!

    OMG, yes! The pandemic lockdown altered the thoughts and feelings of so many of us; if not ALL. And as bad as it was, I opened my eyes to so many things about myself and my life had it not happened. It's amazing how things change when the world comes to screeching halt and we have no other choice than to accept it.

    " I've noticed over the years how men too are also feeling the pressure of looking older, when in the past it was only us women."


    Absolutely! Men too are feeling the pressure of aging. And believe me, I see that in the industry I'm in. You would be surprised how many guys are obsessed with preserving their skin and hair (and youth). But I'm glad in a way because now men know how women feel. However, I'm honest with both men and women when it comes to products - they can only do so much. I believe in taking care of yourself and looking your best. But realistically.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend, and your sweet words. Have a terrific rest of your week!

    X

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  3. I feel (and always felt) it's what you put into your life/lifestyle! If you choose to be negative about every aspect, it will show in behavior and 'cosmetically '. Positive thoughts and actions work the same on you physically & mentally. I've also known people who are workaholics, work until in their 7th/8th decade, retire...and within a year's time, pass away. Then, the opposite...retire early & live for decades. It's all attitude and keeping alive as one sees fit. I've also known those that are handed a 5 years to live and kept going for 30+ years. Again, all mind over matter.

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  4. Wonderful post as usual Ron! I have been facing similar signs of aging and realizations. I'm just a few years behind you but want to follow this same path once I turn 65. Working full time consumes too much... focus and my mind wants more time to wander now. I hope to see you soon since I really want to travel as well. Sending you love and light!

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  5. Annie, I freaking LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what you shared; every single word of it!

    YES!!!!! --- "I feel (and always felt) it's what you put into your life/lifestyle! If you choose to be negative about every aspect, it will show in behavior and 'cosmetically '. Positive thoughts and actions work the same on you physically & mentally. "

    And it truly is, mind over matter.

    I tend to be a positive person. I'm a realist, but I also believe it's all in how I "look" at things. Some of my most challenging experiences have been my greatest gifts.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insights, my friend. Muchly appreciated!

    X

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  6. Hellooooooooooooo there, Laurel!

    So GREAT to see your comment!

    ".I'm just a few years behind you but want to follow this same path once I turn 65. Working full time consumes too much... focus and my mind wants more time to wander now."


    BRAVO! And good for you for realizing that! I'll tell you, taking early SS was one of the best things I could have done for myself. As I shared, I won't ever fully retire, however, not having to work as much as totally changed how I see myself, my life, and how I want to live this next chapter.

    And yes! I would so love to see you again, it's been too long since our last visit.

    Much thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, my good friend. Sending you love and light as well!

    X

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  7. Ron, first, Happy Belated Birthday! I didn't know how old you were, but honestly, I thought you were much, much younger; just from the energy in your words whenever I read your blog. You seemed ageless!

    This post couldn't be anymore timely because I have been pondering/reevaluating my life for the past year, and feeling restless and in a rut. I'm 44 and have been thinking about getting older, concerned about how I look whenever I look at myself in mirror and noticing how my face AND body have morphed. I also put a lot of my energy and time into work. I think a lot of men do. We are what we work. LOL!

    That was genius --- "However, I think of myself as an automobile. My body requires maintenance and tune-ups, but eventually it will become vintage." Wonderful analogy. And how true!

    Your words have given me a lot of support. So, thank you for that. I read this post twice before comment and I think I'll bookmark it to re-read in the future.

    Thank you for sharing your life experience, Ron. It helped a lot.

    That photo of you as a little boy is adorable! What's on your feet, slippers?

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  8. Thank you for sharing this, Ron. I needed to hear these words. First, let me say that your skin looks flawless!!!! I can tell that you know what you are doing, being in the skin care industry. I think doing the semi-retirement is the way to go. It keeps you active, while allowing you time to relax and enjoy life. Nobody ever said on their deathbed, "Gee, I should have worked more!"

    I also like what you said about accepting aging. I hate how awful so many women look now with Botox and fillers, etc. They begin to all look alike and the puffiness isn't attractive whatsoever. I have no idea why anyone thinks that's a better look than a few fine lines?? These are people in their 30's-40's. It's crazy to me.

    I've been struggling with my body since being post-menopausal. While I've lost 12 pounds slowly over the last 10 years, I've developed a number of metabolic/other disorders (FIVE in the last 4 years!) that I believe are possibly related to the loss of estrogen. It's been very frustrating to me, as I've exercised and eaten very healthy for last 20 years. And there's no way I'm going on HRT. I have a doctor appointment later today to discuss all of this and possibly start another drug, which I really don't want to do. I feel betrayed by my body, but I'm trying to stay positive, realizing I don't have cancer, MS, or other debilitating conditions. I listened to a podcast last week by my favorite exercise youtuber about lessons she learned from her body and feeling safe in your body. She shares her own health journey, which hasn't been easy. It's helping me accept my body and just continue to do what I can to take care of it.

    Thanks for this safe space where we can both share, Ron! I would not have written the above paragraph on too many other blogs, but I trust you and know you will understand. Wishing you another beautiful Fall weekend! XOXO

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  9. Aw, thank you, Daniel! My birthday was October 2nd. I'm a Libra!

    My father had a lot of energy too, so I think that's where I got it. It's funny because my mother was much younger than him and she would always say, "Frank, give me some of your energy please!!!"

    I too started thinking about the whole "aging thing" when I was in my 40s. When I hit 45, is when I made some major changes in my life, such as, moving from Florida back to the Northeast. My family thought I was crazy because I had such a wonderful life in Florida (which I did), however, I felt such a strong desire for change. So I did it.

    And you're so right, I also think a lot of men, especially, put all their energy and worth into their jobs. We seem to believe "we are what we work" soooo true!

    Those things on my feet in that childhood photograph are roller skates! There used to be a cartoon on TV when I was a kid called, "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends.' It was about a moose (Bullwinkle) and a flying squirrel (Rocky). I got those skates for Christmas that year. They were made of plastic and had Rocky's face on them. HA!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. I always enjoy reading your comments. Have a terrific rest of your wee!

    X

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  10. Yes, absolutely, I TOTALLY understand what you shared. And thank YOU for being so open and honest. You know, I've heard several women share the same story about what happens to their body related to the loss of estrogen. Doesn't it blow you away how potent and important hormones (estrogen and testosterone) are to our bodies?!? And we don't realize that until we begin to lose them. Hormones are so important to the body because they effect so many things IN our body. Like Vitamin D. I never knew it was actually an hormone until I did a lot of research two years ago. I take Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 every single day. And honestly, I think it's what keeps me so healthy. And I noticed a huge difference in how I felt as soon as I started taking it.

    I wonder if there is a supplement that you could take for estrogen? I'm going to research it and if I find anything, I'll email you the information. Like you, I believe in vitamins, minerals and supplements. I've been taking them since I was in my 20s. And I sincerely believe they help.

    "I hate how awful so many women look now with Botox and fillers, etc. They begin to all look alike and the puffiness isn't attractive whatsoever. I have no idea why anyone thinks that's a better look than a few fine lines?? These are people in their 30's-40's. It's crazy to me."

    YES to all of what you said! I feel the exact same way. And when I'm at work, I am very honest with my clients; letting them know that, yes, take care of your skin. However, there comes a time when they need to accept certain things. I'm with you...I much prefer the look of fine links than all the puffiness that comes from injections. I used to work at a medispa here in Philly and I quit because I could not work at a place that promoted those things. It was sad to see how so many of the clients were obsessed with staying young.

    I love this..." I think doing the semi-retirement is the way to go. It keeps you active, while allowing you time to relax and enjoy life. Nobody ever said on their deathbed, "Gee, I should have worked more!"

    A-MEN!

    Thanks sooooooooooo much for stopping by and sharing on this post, my friend. I greatly appreciate your thoughts and feelings.

    Have a gorgeous fall weekend!

    X

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  11. beautiful post ron. i nodded my head many times in agreement with things you said.

    for one you’re a handsome man and your skin is flawless.

    i don’t get the aging thing, it’s going to happen regardless of the what we go and there’s no serum to fix that. be glad we’re not dead. i’ll take 84 years old over being dead.

    i just started wearing lipstick again because my barber cut my hair too short and i don’t want to be mistaken for victor. i do wish we women would focus on our inner beauty and not put so much energy into covering up everything we hate about ourselves. i hate that i have to give extra minutes to my appearance to look like what we think a woman should look like. i’m doing it out of insecurity and because i’m uncomfortable with my bald head though everyone loves it.

    anyhoo, enjoy this post. take care my handsome friend.

    and yes i have more sounds coming from my body than i ever before. i’m 51, things will make noise and not be the same. i’m just happy i’m not dead.

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  12. Hellooooooo there, Val!

    How fabulous it was to see you comment! And thank you for your sweet, kind words.

    "i don’t get the aging thing, it’s going to happen regardless of the what we go and there’s no serum to fix that. be glad we’re not dead. i’ll take 84 years old over being dead."

    LOVED THAT! And I don't either. Like you said it's going to happen REGARDLESS of what we do. Being in the industry, I see this all the time. However, when I assist a client to purchase something (makeup, skincare, etc.) I am extremely honest and direct about what it can and cannot do. By all means, take care of your skin and wear makeup. I see nothing negative about that. But my feeling is to use those things to look the best you can AS you ARE, not to recapture when you were 22-years old.

    "i just started wearing lipstick again because my barber cut my hair too short and i don’t want to be mistaken for victor."


    OMG, that cracked me up! HILARIOUS!!!!

    "i do wish we women would focus on our inner beauty and not put so much energy into covering up everything we hate about ourselves. "

    I do too. And there is much more focus on women looking that way than men. And I don't think that's fair. Men can age (wrinkles, beer belly) and nothing is ever mentioned. However, god forbid a woman reach 40-years old and she's judged harshly. BY men!

    Thanks ever so much for stopping and sharing your wisdom on this topic. You've added much!

    Have a faaaaaaaaaaabulous rest of your week, my friend!

    X

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  13. Ron, I commend you for addressing this topic in such a wise and logical way. I see a lot of me in your tale -- I, too, have always looked far younger than my years and, thanks to healthy living and good genes, continue to be much more active than my peers.


    However, my situation isn't yours. Because I provide care for my 90-plus year old mom (and for Monkey as well), I haven't had the time (or inclination!) to ponder the many facets of aging. I'm just too busy, what with the care-giving, working, and all the other things I do. And that gives me cause to wonder if one day, I'm going to wake up and wonder who the "old lady" is in my mirror!!


    Thanks for the nudge for me to at least think about this topic once in a while! xx

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  14. Hey there, Debbie!

    As you said, your situation isn't mine. Please understand that this post in no way is a "comparison" to anyone else's life. Nor, is it in any way telling others how to live their lives. This is my story, my life, and the choices I made for my situation as I've aged. We all make our own choices.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous rest of your week and weekend!

    X

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  15. Ron, by best friend is a Libra (October 6th). We get along famously!

    And thanks so much for explaining the slippers/roller skates. I googled "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends." to see what it was. How CUTE! And how cute are your skates!

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  16. OMG that's uncanny because my father's birthday as Oct. 6th too! And my mother's was Sept 24th and she was a Libra too!

    That cartoon was so popular when I was a kid!

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  17. Good morning, Ron. And *very belated* HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes coming your way!! You've always seemed younger than your actual age. Being so mindful about your life and work must really help keep things in perspective. Some of us tend to become reactive about life as we age, rather than proactive and not afraid to embrace the changes and think of them as positives. I've always been impressed by how introspective you are. I'm not really sure where I am with regard to all of it. Some days I feel ok with the many changes, other days I'm cursing these old lady bones and wrinkly skin and bad attitude ... wondering what the hell happened and I'm only going to be 58. LOL
    Love the photos of you over the years!! Enjoy the semi-retirement stage.
    Have a great weekend. xo

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  18. Love this post, Ron! It's packed with so much goodness!

    Both my husband and I are almost the same age as you, so this post really resonated with us. I think it may be our generation that we strongly identified ourselves by our occupations. Also, it used to be that men and women played specific roles in life when it came to relationships, marriage, and work. But that has changed over the years, as those roles have been defused. Some men are stay at home dads, while the women work.

    I agree with you 100% about aging. We can only do so much to preserve youth, the rest we simply have to accept and just go with it. Resisting it makes the aging journey more difficult. I certainly notice how my body (and mind) have altered over the years. My grandmother was such an inspiration to me when it came to aging. She had such a great attitude about living life and not fighting with things you can't change, like getting old. She used to say, "Know that whatever age you are, you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious. Be comfortable with growing older." I always remind myself of her words.

    "As I've aged, I have become more and more comfortable - body, mind, and spirit.

    I have a deeper understanding of life and where I fit in.

    My life at this moment feels much more relaxed and simple, but adventurous.

    I am tremendously grateful for my life, including the difficulties, and where it's taken me."

    My feelings as well!

    Have a great weekend, Ron. And thanks for sharing xo

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  19. Ron, I've read over my initial comment and your reply several times now, and I get the feeling your feelings might have been hurt at something I said. I'd never want that to happen, my friend! I wasn't trying to be critical ... or frivolous. We all approach aging differently. If you're like me, you've known people at 40 who are OLD ... and people who are in their 80s who are young. Perhaps what's key is acceptance? While we can't turn back the clock, I see no reason for the young'uns to have all the fun with makeup and clothing! And while I have no desire to jump from an airplane, I do intend to keep moving as long as the Good Lord lets me. That said, I do appreciate your introspection. As you realize, it's hard when you're working in a "young" field (your beauty industry and my web design certainly qualify as that!). You can't afford not to keep up with the times, or you'll get left behind. Are we okay again?? xx

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  20. Hey there, Debbie!

    Thanks so much for stopping back and clarifying, I really appreciate that. It's not that my feelings were hurt, I was surprised by the tone of your second paragraph. I have to be honest, to me, it did sound like your were being critical/frivolous, and that's what took me by surprise, This was simply a post about sharing my own journey through the process of aging. As you said, we all approach aging differently.

    Again, thank so very much for stopping back and clarifying what you meant.

    And yes, we are definitely okay! xx

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  21. Helloooooooooooooo there, Elaine!

    OMG...I love what you shared here....

    " I think it may be our generation that we strongly identified ourselves by our occupations. Also, it used to be that men and women played specific roles in life when it came to relationships, marriage, and work. But that has changed over the years, as those roles have been defused. Some men are stay at home dads, while the women work."

    Yes! Yes! Yes! A hundred times YES to all of that because it's so spot on! And I am really glad that the roles have been defused. In fact, I have a close friend in Texas who is one who works outside the house, while her husband is a stay at home dad who takes care of their son. And that WORKS for them. So be it!

    "She used to say, "Know that whatever age you are, you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious. Be comfortable with growing older." I always remind myself of her words."

    I cannot thank you enough for sharing her saying, it's FABULOUS! And so true! Your grandmother sounded like a very WISE woman!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Hope you and your husband are having a fantastic weekend!

    X

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  22. Inspiring and motivating post, Ron! Aging is something we all have to deal with. It's the one thing we can't stop. For me, as long as I know that I'm taking care of myself, and not only physically but mentally as well, I'm okay with embracing the aging process. I also realize that some of it has to do with genetics; things I can't change. I'm in my 40's, and look forward to my 50s, 60s, 70s, etc. because I believe that life gets richer and deeper as we age.

    I so admire the actresses who have not had cosmetic surgery or injections, but have allowed themselves to gradually age and are still working. (Susan Sarandon, Emma Thompson, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and others). So inspiring!

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  23. Hi there, Clair!

    Sounds like you have such a healthy outlook on aging. Bravo! And I LOVE what you said about looking forward to future decades because you believe life gets richer and deeper. And it does, I truly believe that. As we age, we may lose certain things when it comes to our physicality; however we GAIN other things. Such as the freedom to "be" as we are!

    "I so admire the actresses who have not had cosmetic surgery or injections, but have allowed themselves to gradually age and are still working. (Susan Sarandon, Emma Thompson, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and others). So inspiring!"

    YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Me too! And it's ironic you mentioned Emma Thompson because I just recently watched her latest movie, 'Good Luck to You, Leo Grande' and she was MARVELOUS! And looked so sexy!

    Thanks a lot for stopping by and sharing your wonderful insight, Clair. Have a great Sunday!

    X

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  24. Ron, I wish you would consider writing a book about your life because I know it would inspire others as it does me. I enjoy all your posts, but especially ones like this where I can read about your perceptions and the choices you made about the journey of life.

    The photo collage of you at different ages is awesome! Your smile hasn't changed a bit.

    Thanks for sharing, dude! And I really, really mean that...THANKS!

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  25. Hiya Matt!

    Thanks for your kind words. I'm sincerely happy to know that you get something from what I share about my life because I feel the same about certain people who I've met throughout my life whose life touched me profoundly on my own journey. I seem to learn the most from those who accept certain things about life and continue to move forward. The one thing in life that's for certain is....CHANGE. So for me, it's easier if I learn to accept change instead of resisting it. Something like aging. It's going to happen to all of us, so why not embrace it. For me, I always sensed that aging would bring me more wisdom, and it has.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt! Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  26. Ron, I am so sorry to be late to the party with this post, but I've been out of town on a business trip. As soon as I saw your post title on my reader, I knew I would love it. And I DID! Such wisdom you have acquired in your life and I can't thank you enough for sharing it because I am at that age where I am getting a tad concerned about the aging process and what it's doing to my face and body. LOL! But it's exactly as you said, there is nothing any of us can do about it except take care of ourselves and embrace it. It's funny because I love how a man looks as he ages (I think it's sexy), and I need to start seeing that in myself as I age.

    I've always admire the way you look at things. For all the years I've known you through your blog, you have given me so many different ways to look at challenging things, but changing the way I see them. And I'm getting better at it.

    LOVE the photos of you!!! You're such a handsome man!

    Thanks again for sharing your life, Ron. xo

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  27. Hola Denise!

    Mucho thanks for your sweet words. And no worries, you're NEVER late to the party. You get here when you get here.

    "It's funny because I love how a man looks as he ages (I think it's sexy), and I need to start seeing that in myself as I age."

    I know, so many women say the same thing. But I tell them that women get sexy with aging too. And I really mean that. I think women (and have always thought it), look gorgeous as they age. I also love to see women allowing their hair to go gray (salt and pepper) because it looks so beautiful. I helped a client last week who came into my store, who had let her hair go completely gray and I told her she looked AMAZING, which she did!

    I'm happy to see more and more women embracing the aging process. And in doing so, they looks so vibrant and alive!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, you fabulous woman you! Hope you're having a fantastic week, and that your business trip went well!

    X

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  28. Ron, I saw that Emma Thompson movie too and thought it was fantastic. I loved the ending. It was so raw and honest. SUCH a great film! And you're right, she looked so sexy in her 60s!

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  29. I agree...the ending was totally unexpected but so honest! She (and he) were so perfectly cast in the film.

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  30. First, belated Happy 🎂 wishes sent to you Ron and I hope you did something fun on your birthday. And, by the way you are far from being a fossil, so no concerns there.

    I am older than you by several years and while aging is not always a joyful prospect as each birthday comes around, the alternative is less appealing. I will take birthdays any day. My late mother and grandfather both lived well into their 90s, so perhaps longevity is a "family" thing. Both myself and my husband are so pleased when people tell us we "don't look our age" and then wonder what does a certain age look like? Of course, we've come across folks younger than ourselves who look way older.

    Neither of us do anything special, although I walk everywhere as much possible, which (as you also know) is an advantage of living close to a downtown area. We may not always eat the healthiest food choices, but you won't find lots of snacks or cookies in our apt, except maybe at holiday time(s) because treats are nice and we do share with friends (sometimes).

    Speaking for myself, the biggest thing is attitude and acceptance. Would I like to be say 10 years younger, sure, but that isn't happening so I'll enjoy and celebrate life each day.

    Like yourself, I also elected to take social security a few years early with no regrets. Now, there are so many "help wanted" postings that I considered part-time work but realized that would take away from "me" time and that's more important than any monetary gains. Time is one of the things that $ will never buy.

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  31. Helloooooo there, D!

    Thanks so very much for your sweet words and birthday wishes. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    " And, by the way you are far from being a fossil, so no concerns there."

    It's funny because I'm the oldest one where I work, but I have to remind myself because I act like the youngest. HA!

    ",,,while aging is not always a joyful prospect as each birthday comes around, the alternative is less appealing. I will take birthdays any day."


    A-MEN! You are spot on about that! And how fabulous that your mother and grandfather lived well into their 90s!!

    " Both myself and my husband are so pleased when people tell us we "don't look our age" and then wonder what does a certain age look like? Of course, we've come across folks younger than ourselves who look way older."


    You're so right about that, what does a "certain age" even look like?!?! And I've noticed about people from "our" generation is that we have so much more energy than the younger generations. So many of my coworkers are always saying, "I'm sooooooooo tired. Can I go home for the day?"

    I truly think that walking is one of the best exercise for staying fit and mobile. I love to walk. And I walk a lot. And me neither, I don't have snacks, cookies, or any sweets for that matter in my apartment. And if I do snack, it's on things like tortilla chips dipped in garlic hummus.

    Yes, attitude and acceptance is key. And staying curious about life.

    I'm so glad I took early social security because it pays for all my essentials every month. I continue to work PT because I truly enjoy it. However, I no longer have the pressure to work 40 hrs. per week anymore. Yahoooooooooo!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insight and wisdom to this topic. Very much appreciated it! Have a great rest of your week!

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  32. I just discovered you today from Bijoux's blog and I'm so glad I did. Since the pandemic, I've changed and am lot happier in my life, embracing each stage. I was never like this before. It's wonderful to see those who embrace aging and view it for what it is: a gift. And I love that David Bowie quote. I'm so thankful I found you today. Xoxo

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  33. Greetings, Kari!

    Thanks ever so much for stopping by and taking the time to share a comment. I appreciate that, and it's so nice to meet you! Bijoux and I have been blogging together for 13 years. One of these days we hope to meet so we can sit down (in person) and have a glass of wine and a nice looooooooooooong talk!

    "Since the pandemic, I've changed and am lot happier in my life, embracing each stage. I was never like this before. It's wonderful to see those who embrace aging and view it for what it is: a gift. "

    OMG...me too! I decided that when the lockdown hit, I was going to use it to see the "gift" in it. And one of those things was to stand back; take a deep dive look at my life to reevaluate how I wanted to live the next chapter of my life. Therefore, I look at the lockdown as wonderful teacher. Sounds like you did the same thing. BRAVO!

    Isn't that quote wonderful? I miss that man. I grew up listening to his music.

    So nice to meet you! I placed your blog on my reader to keep up with your posts. Also, I marked your comment as accepted; therefore the next time you leave a comment, it will automatically go through. I do that on my blog for first time commenter's to weed out any spam.

    I look forward to blogging with you!

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  34. Wow, there is a lot to unpack in this post! This year, I read a book titled Younger Next Year (for women). There is one for men too.. It is an awesome book that outlines how to age without growing "old." The secret is in the exercise and strength training. I highly recommend it for everyone over the age of 50! I also took early SS because one just never knows how long they have on this earth. If someone waits until 65+, they may not have a lot of time to enjoy their earnings...especially if they haven't read the above-mentioned book. I've noticed a lot of men believe their identity lies within their career. And, when they retire or lose their job, it's devastating to their mental health. Good for you that you've discovered that you are more than your job. I believe one of the secrets to long life is attitude....and gratitude. And. you have an awesome amount of both! Take care and hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving. X

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  35. Thanks for sharing that book, Lisa! I will definitely look for it because it sounds so interesting.

    " I've noticed a lot of men believe their identity lies within their career. And, when they retire or lose their job, it's devastating to their mental health"


    Yes, I've noticed the same thing as well. And I was a prime example of that. A big part of my self-identity came from my work. Thankfully, I've begun to turn that belief around.

    For me, the longer I live, the more I can see how wealthy I am. Like you said, "attitude....and gratitude."

    Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

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