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.
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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!💕
Happy Birthday, Ron!!! Hope you had a great day and treated yourself to something special. I LOVE this post because I enjoy hearing how other people look at life and what they learned from their experiences. The four things you listed are things that I've struggled with. How (and when) did you learn to really trust your gut? Like you said, my intuition comes very quickly, but then I doubt it because I doubt myself in trusting it. Feeling my intuition is something I always wonder if I'm just imaging it, so I push it away or start to analyze it.
ReplyDeleteI love your analogy of theater being is like life. That's so true.
The baby picture of you and your mother is so precious! Your face still looks the same!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Ronnie. I always get a lot of excellent life tips from you! xoxo
Hope you had an awesome birthday, Ron! I don't think I ever knew your age. And it's not that 69 is old, but I thought you were much younger. You have such a youthful spirit that comes from your writing. You're AGELESS!
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to read your list. You're #2 struck a cord in me because I have a tendency to rehash certain things from my past and then very often remain there. I wish I didn't regret certain choices I've made in the past, but I do. Regret is such a waste of time because there's not a damn thing we can do to change the past except learn from it.
That photograph of you and your mother is so sweet! Isn't it something to look at photos of when we were infants and realize we were all that small at one time? Lol!
Wishing you a GREAT 69th year, Ron!
Hola, and good afternoon, Denise!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. And yes, I'm having a great day. Earlier, I took the train out to Swarthmore and treated myself to lunch, and then a fabulous cup of coffee at my favorite cafe. I love getting out of the city during the week, just for a change of scenery.
"How (and when) did you learn to really trust your gut? Like you said, my intuition comes very quickly, but then I doubt it because I doubt myself in trusting it. Feeling my intuition is something I always wonder if I'm just imaging it, so I push it away or start to analyze it."
Believe me when I tell you, it took me a while to learn to trust my gut. Like you, I couldn't tell if I was imaging it, so I'd procrastinate until it was gone. But through experienced, I gradually learned that my gut/intuition was there for a reason, and being respecting it. And honestly, it's never been wrong or guided me in a negative way.
I found that photograph in a box I keep of family photographs. I cherish the few images I have with my biological mother because she passed away so young. She was only 40.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet words, my friend! Enjoy the rest of your week!
X
Beautiful and inspiring post, Ron! Your views on aging give me tremendous confidence as I age. I love your positive attitude! You're right, aging is inevitable. But that doesn't mean I have to get OLD. It's all in how I perceive it. I'm learning to just "go with it" and do what I can to stay healthy (physically and mentally), but also accept what I cannot change about the process.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Ron! I'm so glad I found your blog. Have an awesome 69th year and beyond! xo
Oh Ron, both my husband and I laughed so hard at this -- "(such as having to get up in the middle of the night 400 times to urinate) -- we say the SAME THING! I swear to God, as we age....our bladder must shrink! LOL! I remember a time when I NEVER had to get up and urinate after I went to bed.
ReplyDeleteMy birthday is in December and I'll be turning 67, so I'm not far behind you!
You list of things are soooooooooooo true! Why does it take a lifetime to eventually trust our gut and go with it? And you're right, the world sees us as we see ourselves. It's pretty incredible how that works, isn't it? It took me awhile to accept ALL that I am and not need anyone's approval. I tried to instill that in my children as well.
I also feel so grateful for my parents. My childhood was far from perfect, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I know that I was blessed in having my parents as my parents.
I adore that picture of you and your mother. What a cute little babino you were, and still are! I remember my grandmother having a slipcover like the one on the couch in the photo. So 50s!
Happy Birthday, dear man! Wishing you continued aging fabulously! xoxo
Thank you, Daniel, and hello!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, sir. When I was a kid, I thought that 60 was OVER THE HILL. But now that I'm at the end of my 60s, I still see myself as a spring chicken! Hahahahahaha! Naturally, things change in your body as you move foreward. But that doesn't mean you get old. In many ways, I feel like I have more energy and a better mental outlook than when I was younger. There is something so freeing about aging.
I love what you expressed here...
"Regret is such a waste of time because there's not a damn thing we can do to change the past except learn from it."
You are so right about that! And as long as we learn from it, our past is our greatest teacher. Therefore, there is no need to regret anything.
"Isn't it something to look at photos of when we were infants and realize we were all that small at one time?"
YES! YES! YES! We were all the size of a peanut!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous rest of your week!
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Hey there, Abby!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I try and always see my life as a journey with no wrong turns. There have been detours of course, but even those detours had a purpose.
"It's all in how I perceive it. I'm learning to just "go with it" and do what I can to stay healthy (physically and mentally), but also accept what I cannot change about the process."
Excellent! And so true! Part of aging is in HOW we choose to SEE aging. Our bodies are not meant to remain the same. So if do our best to take care of our body and mind, we know that we did our BEST.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by and for your kindness, Abby! Have a superb rest of your week!
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Ron, I'm so glad you have those images with your mother! xo I forgot she was that young when she passed. :(
ReplyDeleteHelloooooooooooo there, Elaine!
ReplyDelete" I swear to God, as we age....our bladder must shrink! LOL! I remember a time when I NEVER had to get up and urinate after I went to bed.
OMG, meeeeeeeeeeeeeee too! I try real hard not to drink a lot of fluids a few hourse before I go to bed, but it doesn't seem to matter. I still have to get up and pee, several times!
You're birthday is in December? How GREAT is that! You're a Christmas holiday baby! Don't you love being born in the months we were born? I love being an autumn baby! And I'm sure you love being a winter baby because like me, you prefer the colder temps.
"It took me awhile to accept ALL that I am and not need anyone's approval. I tried to instill that in my children as well."
Brava! And good for you (and your children)! It's so great that you instilled that when they were younger because peer pressure when your a kid can be horrendous. When we're kids, our tendency is to seek approval from others from being compared.
I feel as you. I wouldn't change one little thing about my parents or my childhood. My brother feels the same way.
Yes, do you remember how popular those slipcovers were in the 50s? And they all had those tousles along the edges. And I LOVED the prints!
Thanks oodles for stopping by, Elaine! Hope you're having a fantastic week so far. And are you enjoying this FINALLY autumn weather? I saw on the weather channel that next week it drops into the low 60s!
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Thank you, Denise! 🙏 I too am glad l have them. Years ago, my stepmother asked me if I wanted to go through a box she had of photos of my mother and father, and take the one's l wanted for myself. That photo was one of many that l kept. ❤️
ReplyDeleteFirst, Happy Birthday, Ron! Hope you had a super great day. And second, I so love the trusting my gut quote in the black box -- "I told you so" Sincerely, Your Gut -- Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteTo me, you have always seemed like someone who doesn't have an age. As someone else shared in their comment, you have an undefinable age, which makes you seem ageless.
I really felt a connection to your #4. I tend to plan down to the finest detail and then get frustrated when what I'm planning moves in another direction. I guess you could call me a control freak when it comes being organized. But I am getting better at relaxing into the process instead of fighting it. So, thank you for the reminder!
Adorable photo of you and your mom. I really love photographs from the 40s and 50s.
Ron, sorry I'm a day late to your birthday party, but I didn't check my feed reader until this morning. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! I hope you had a fantastic day.
ReplyDeleteOne of my besties has a birthday this month (Oct 11th) - Libra! She and I get on so well. I'm an Aquarius and tend to mesh well with other air signs.
What you said about how you feel about yourself being a form of energy, and that the energy can be felt by others is something I believe as well. When I was in high school, I tried to conform to how I "thought" I should be. It wasn't until I got older, did I realize that it doesn't work that way.
Your baby photo made me smile. I love the way your mother is gently holding your hand.
Good morning, Robert, and thank you! Yes, I had super great day. I spent most of the day out in Swarthmore, just relaxing. I had lunch at my favorite CO-OP, and then an ice coffee at my favorite cafe. The weather was perfect - cool and sunny.
ReplyDelete" I tend to plan down to the finest detail and then get frustrated when what I'm planning moves in another direction. I guess you could call me a control freak when it comes being organized. But I am getting better at relaxing into the process instead of fighting it."
I can totally understand that because I too am a planner, down to the finest details. I think it's because of my VIRGO rising. Lol! However, my many years in the theater taught me a very valuable lesson in that regardless how much I plan, l can't control everything. And because theater is LIVE, anything can happen.
I agree, the 40s and 50s were both decades with such great style!
Thanks for stopping by, buddy! Have a great rest of your week!
X
Goooood morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
And no worries, my friend. I didn't post this until late yesterday because I was out and about enjoying my birthday.
"One of my besties has a birthday this month (Oct 11th) - Libra! She and I get on so well. I'm an Aquarius and tend to mesh well with other air signs."
Yup, you're right, LIBRA! I agree, I think air signs (Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra) connect well. I also get along well with earth signs (Virgo, Capricorn, and Taurus) because they seem to "ground" me. I love astrology because I find it so interesting. And I do think there is a lot of truth in it.
"When I was in high school, I tried to conform to how I "thought" I should be. It wasn't until I got older, did I realize that it doesn't work that way."
I was the same in school; particularly in middle school and high school. However, it taught me a very valuable in how important it was to embrace all that I am. And in doing so, THAT'S how the world would see me. And it worked!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by this morning. Have a terrific day and rest of your week!
X
Happy, Happy Birthday, my dear friend!🥳 I’m loving that baby picture of you because it definitely looks like you!!! And so nice to see your beautiful birth mom. You look like both of your parents. Are you doing anything special this weekend?
ReplyDeleteI love all that you’ve learned. The third one resonates with me the most. People really do see you as you see yourself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve always thought especially about confidence. If you act confident, people will see you as such and it will win you friends, jobs, etc. If you are negative about yourself, everyone around will eventually dislike you. It’s really becoming more evident in today’s culture of trigger warnings and hive mentality.
Trusting your gut? Absolutely!!! It’s why we have that instinct. For protection!
Have a beautiful Fall weekend filled with pumpkins and spice! XO to the birthday boy!
Ron, isn't it funny how when we're young, we imagine 40 is sooooooo old? Hell, now that I'm in my 50s, 40 seems sooooooo young. ROFLMAO!
ReplyDeleteLoved this post because many of the things you mentioned I'm learning as well. I'm mean, that's the whole point of aging. The longer we live, the more we learn. Like you, I have no regrets. And I really mean that.
The pic of you and your mother is adorable. She was beautiful. Italian, right?
Happy Birthday, Ron! Wishing you all the best through 69! xo
Hello Clair!
ReplyDeleteYou are soooooooooooo right about that! OMG, I remember when my mother mentioned something about a relative who passed away at 45. And in my mind I was thinking, "Hell...he lived a long life at 45!" LOL!
" I'm mean, that's the whole point of aging. The longer we live, the more we learn. Like you, I have no regrets. And I really mean that."
Yes! You got that right! And to me, what's the point in regretting something because it was what it was. The most healthy thing when can do with it, it simply LEARN from it for the future.
Thank you. Yes, my mother was lovely. And yes, ITALIANO for sure!
Much thanks for stopping by and for your well wishes, my friend! Have an awesome rest of your week!
X
Aw....thank you so much, my dear friend! I know, isn't it hilarious how when we look at baby pictures of ourselves, we can see many of the similarities in our face when we look in the mirror! We do change, but I think the basic blueprint of our face is forever. Yes, I think I do look like both my parents - I'm my father from the nose up, and my mother from the nose down. Ha!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually working all weekend. However, I did have a fabulous day yesterday. I took the train out of the city and visited Swarthmore. I had a delicious lunch and then went to my favorite cafe and had a HUGE iced coffee.
I LOVED this whole paragraph...
"People really do see you as you see yourself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve always thought especially about confidence. If you act confident, people will see you as such and it will win you friends, jobs, etc. If you are negative about yourself, everyone around will eventually dislike you. It’s really becoming more evident in today’s culture of trigger warnings and hive mentality."
Yes, you are SPOT on! And especially about today's culture of trigger warnings and hive mentality. Sooooooooo true!
Thank you so much for stopping by and for your well wishes! Have a faaaaaaabulous rest of your week and weekend!
X
Happy Birthday, dear friend! It’s such a beautiful day here—sunshine, a cool breeze, and the sound of wind chimes in the air. It feels like the perfect day to celebrate you. I hope you’re having a wonderful day where you are too. ❤️
ReplyDeleteYour post is filled with so much goodness, and these two quotes really touched me: "The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been" and "Learn from the past, but don't live there." There's so much wisdom in those words. I’ve bookmarked the entire post because it’s just that good. Your positive outlook on life continues to inspire me; you've helped me more than you know this year. I’m incredibly grateful for your friendship.
Excellent post as always, friend. Happiest of birthdays!! 😘❤️🌈🍂
Happy Birthday, my friend! I hope your weather is as glorious as ours has been -- perfect Fall weather, cool mornings and evenings, warm in the daylight hours. And dry!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your four lessons. It's a wise person who can learn from their past, trust their intuition, appreciate who they are, and stay open to the possibilities that come their way. Gee, if you're so wise at 69, just think what delights might be coming your way when you turn over a new decade!!
Hope this is a wonderful year for you -- hang in there, and keep that attitude of gratitude! xx
Aw....thank you sooooooooooo very much, Kari! X
ReplyDeleteYour day sounds very much like what it's been like in Philly for the past two days - sunshine and a cool breeze! It's been the perfect wearther to enjoy my birthday. I saw on the weather channel that next week, the temps go down into the 60s, which makes me VERY happy!
"Your positive outlook on life continues to inspire me; you've helped me more than you know this year. I’m incredibly grateful for your friendship."
Much thanks for you words. I'm grateful for your friendship too! And I am so glad you found those quotes inspiring because I did too. I know this has been a rough year for you (losing your Dad), but I think you're moving through it with such grace!
Have a fantabulous rest of your week and weekend, my friend! ((((((( YOU )))))))
X
Hellooooooooooo there Debbie, and thank you for your birthday well-wishes and for you AWESOME email yesterday! I actually cut and pasted your wonderful poem to a notepad, so that I can go back and re-read it. I sent a copy to a friend of mine, so she could read it.
ReplyDeleteYes! We're having the same weather here. However, last week we did get the rain were talking about, but honestly? I don't mind the rain. I'm just so happy to feel the temps getting lower. I saw on the weather channel that next week it goes down into the 60s. Yahoooooooooo! I can't wait to start seeing the leaves change!
"Gee, if you're so wise at 69, just think what delights might be coming your way when you turn over a new decade!!"
Thank you! X Like past decades, I'm looking forward to seeing what my 70s bring me.
As always, thanks for stopping by and sharing, my friend. Muchly appreciated and enjoyed!
Have a faaaaaaaaabulous weekend!
X
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteNo worries, you're never late. You're right on time!
Thank you so much for your encouraging words and birthday wishes!
One of the things I learned from my father was to never lose a sense of humor because it can help you move through some of the challenging times in life. And he was right. Also, I think humor (laughter) is extremely healthy for your body, mind, and spirit.
Much thanks for stopping by, Matt! Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!
X
Ron, wishing you a Happy Belated Birthday! I can't thank you enough for sharing the things you've learned because that's how WE learn; from others sharing their life's journey. #2 really rang true for me. And #4 as well.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of your and your mother at only two months old is so beautiful.
" And lastly, I am immensely grateful for my parents, who brought me into this world and gave me life! " ---- Amen!
Have an aweome 69th year!
Howdy, Sammy!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your well-wishes. And I agree with you, I love to hear about how people experience life and what they learned on their paths. And the people I seem to learn the most from are the ones who have had tremendous challenges in their lives and HOW they moved through them. Those are the people I have such admiration for.
Thanks...I love that photo of me and my mom. I don't have a lot, so I cherish them.
Thanks very much for stopping by. Have an excellent week!
X
My favorite food in the world....Italian!
ReplyDeleteMine too! 🍷🍕😋
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday! I am 62 and can relate to all the points you talked about. Love the photo of you and your mother!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Melanie, and thank you!
ReplyDeleteIsn't awesome how with aging, there comes knowledge? When I was a kid, I couldn't wait to get older. I was frustrated being young. I somehow sensed that as I aged, I would learn more and more.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you're having a FABULOUS week!
X
P.S. I tried looking to see if I could find a blog or a website you have, but didn't find one. If you have one, please feel free to leave your URL in your comment, I would love to visit your blog.
Hi Ron ~ thanks for asking! I do indeed have a blog, but admittedly, I haven't been keeping up with it lately. Haven't written a post since July! If you'd like to take a look, I'm at www.comfyhouse.blogspot.com.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Melanie!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I placed your blog URL on my blog feed so that whenever you do post, I'll be notified. Looking forward to catching up on your posts!
Thanks, and I hope you're having a FAB weekend!
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