This blogger's question to us is: As we grow older, do we become "more"?
I was thinking about this just the other week at work. I find myself climbing up and down several flights of stairs several times a day. Recently, it has hit me how I cling to the rail, moving slowly up and down the stairs. But people working for my company who are 20 or 30 years younger than me bounce up and down those stairs, seemingly without effort.
Once, I was like that.
Another thing about stairs: if stairs don't have rails (and you'll be surprised how many stairs don't) a little thrill of fear goes through me and I almost have to force myself to go down those stairs. ("Up" isn't that hard - yet.)
My back hurts. My right shoulder hurts. My knee sometimes hurts. I have to do stretching exercises.
I am stiff when I get out of bed.
But some of the up sides this blogger mentioned have happened to me, too.
I've discovered how wonderful a good meal can be.
I treasure sleeping through the night the way the mother of a newborn baby does. (Well, maybe not the same way).
I am not afraid to stop and smell the flowers in public (although my sense of smell isn't what it used to be).
Every day is special, just because I woke up. I don't have to be on vacation to feel that way.
Have you found this shifting of thought in yourself, too?
The only constant in life is change, but, during a recent visit to Florida, I've also seen how that change can enrich you. Aging is not hanging out in "G-d's Waiting Room" (a certain relative's take on aging and Florida.)
More on that (hopefully) in future posts.
Day 14 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge #blogboost
You have such a positive outlook on lie and on aging. I hope I can be just as positive as you are.
ReplyDeleteLast summer I visited a Frank Lloyd Wright home in a nearby community. There was a concrete staircase outside going down to the backyard. There was no hand rail. I was grabbing onto the wall as I descended. Not exactly up to code and would never be allowed today.
ReplyDeleteAs I inch a little closer to 50 (in 2021), I hear myself saying "Oy Vey" every time I get up off the floor. Nothing hurts - thank goodness - but it is an effort. But, what I've gained is a self-confidence and knowing what I want and what I don't want in life is much clearer to me now. And, I'm not afraid to say it. I'll take that over some aches and pains now and then. :) Great post!
ReplyDeleteThere is something about aging that has made me feel more comfortable in my own skin. As for stamina, going walking with my 73-year-old father informs me that it's just a matter of doing. I so can't keep up with him. But that gives us hope, right? If we made an effort to climb stairs or walk more frequently, we'd still get stronger no matter our age.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Alana! I'm glad this post resonated with you. Was surprised to find so many people felt the same.
ReplyDelete