Wednesday, October 02, 2024

Things I've Learned In My 69 Years

Today, I turned 69. And to be honest, outside of a few physical things that have naturally changed over the years (such as having to get up in the middle of the night 400 times to urinate), I still feel like I'm in my 30s. 

I remember getting ready to turn 30 and talking to my father on the phone one day, and I said to him, "Gosh, Dad, I cannot believe I'm going to be THIRTY in a few days. I'm getting old!" He chuckled and said, "Yeah? Well wait until you turn 67, like me, and then tell me how old you are." 

Back then, 67 sounded ancient. But now that I'm moving through my 60s, I don't see myself as old. I still feel like I'm 20, 30, 40... 

So, I guess it's true what they say about aging. 

Today I want to share four things I've learned in my 69 years. Mind you, I have learned much more, but I'm only listing these four because they are at the top...

1) Trusting my gut (intuition) -

Throughout my life, I've learned the importance of trusting my gut. And as I've gotten older, I have learned never to second-guess it. I also learned that intuition comes quickly. It's a feeling that tries to get my attention by saying, "Please, Ron, get out of your head and listen to your gut." And do you know what? It's never wrong. Trusting my gut prevented me from getting into some very negative situations. And it also directed me to some wonderful opportunities I would have missed had I not listened to my gut. 

2) Learn from my past, but don't live there - 

I'm a firm believer that nothing in my life happens by accident. I have no regrets. Good or bad, I wouldn't change a single thing about my past because it gave me the knowledge to live in the present. Every so often, I need to revisit my past and process certain moments to be reminded of what they taught me. However, it's important not to remain there.

3) The world will see me exactly how I see myself - 

I learned this lesson at a very young age. I discovered that what is most important is how I see myself. And in doing so, that is exactly how the world will view me. I was very different than most kids. But when I finally embraced all I was, the world ironically embraced me. I know that sounds very simplistic, but I found it true. How I feel about myself is a form of "energy." And that energy permeates throughout the world and can be felt by others.

4) Make plans and be prepared. However, be willing to stay open to how it plays out -

My time in theater taught me this lesson because when you perform onstage, live, it's important to make plans, be prepared, and show up. However, in theater, you have to be willing to stay open and see how it plays out. Much like life, I can do everything possible to prepare for things. But, I have to remain open to spontaneity as well. The theater was an excellent lesson in remaining adaptable, flexible, and living in the moment.  

--------------------------

Yes, aging is inevitable. But that doesn't mean I have to get old.

-------------------------------

I'd like to conclude this post by saying how grateful I am for my life and the variety of paths I've traveled. I'm also grateful for all the opportunities I've had to grow and learn from. And lastly, I am immensely grateful for my parents, who brought me into this world and gave me life! 

My mother and me in 1955. I was only two months old...

Have a great rest of your week, y'all!💕