So far this is the oldest I've ever been

Today I'm posting this text a friend sent me, about having the right to be old. I guess it is a right I have acquired. I try not to think about it too much, and yet at times reality catches up with me.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself (most of the time that is...). I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avant garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. (Trust me, I treat myself regularly and I have the belly to prove it!)

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. (There is a freedom, we just have to be willing to see it as such)

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? (I must say, this is the greatest advantage of working from home!)

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60's & 70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. (it feels good to remember at times...)

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. (My heart has been used and is far from being perfect)

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. (And, there are hair colours and Botox, so, it's all good!)

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. (I guess I'm not that old yet, because I still question myself.)

I've even earned the right to be wrong. (Doesn't mean I'm liking it, though!)

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. (I think I do)

I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it). (Actually, that and brushing my teeth are things I do daily!)

Nice text, wasn't it? I think aging is like love; it's all in the eyes of the beholder, how one chooses to see and live their life. My life, so far, has been full, fun and despite some rough patches really worth living. For that I'm thankful and looking forward to the rest of it...