"You can age, but you don't have to get old." - Author unknown
On Thursday, I celebrate another year lived. Although it may seem strange, 30 was the hardest birthday for me. As a kid, I viewed 30 as ancient, and asked my parents what it was like in the olden days. It's amazing how young it looks to me now.
What do I like about aging?
1) I've lived a certain amount of history. I remember when the first astronaut was launched into space, when the World's Fair came to New York, when Carol Heiss won the Women's Olympic Gold Medal, and when the country mourned JFK.
2) The shared memories of family and friends. Looking at old picture albums brings back many happy times.
3) Years lived give one a unique perspective, an overview of life. I see what works and what doesn't and hopefully I've learned from my mistakes.
4) My relationship with the Lord gets sweeter each year. Every other joy pales in comparison.
5) No one knows when their pilgrim journey will end, but heaven stirs an excitement once reserved for major life events.
Most people talk about aging in a negative manner. What are some of the positives for you? How has aging impacted your writing?
27 comments:
I wish you a very Happy Birthday week! Why not take the entire week instead of just one day?!?!
Enjoy and rejoice!
I'll be contacting you later this week. You won a prize on my giveaway!
Your #4 inspires me (and convicts me some). Happy Birthday! What a beautiful reflection!
~ Wendy
Start today and celebrate all week.
I have gained more patience as I have gotten older. I now write and release, where as before I worried till I heard and doubted my abilities if I didn't.
Thirty hit me harder than any other birthday too. I cried all day.
Happy Birthday sweet friend! I love this list - very inspiring and challenging (in a good way). Always appreciate your thoughts.
Wishing you a multitude of blessings,
Karen
Congratulations!
Who knows, if you're a old, wise woman you write an unforgettable book ...
Happy Birthday!!! :-)
I'm fixing to have my 29th...I was feeling old but I realize that I'm young.
I kind of look forward to aging and learning and hope I'm wiser and wiser...lol We'll see.
Glad to hear on your letter that you had a great birthday!
I don't write as much, for one thing. I'm a lot more selective about starting projects as I don't need more useless manuscripts in my drawer.
I love that as I get older, I can be more quirky. I can do silly things and get away with them. I don't have to be so serious. And I, too, love all of the history both in time and in my photo albums.
Happy, happy birthday, Susan!! I loved your list--seriously, it made my heart smile. :)
Happy Birthday, Susan! I love your #4 as well. I hope I can age with the same attitude. You're such a beautiful soul. I mentioned you on my blog today. :)
Happy Early Birthday, Susan! Hope your entire birthday month has been and will be good!
Let's see. To answer your questions. Positive aspects of aging? Well, first and foremost, I love setting my own schedule---not working a 9 to 5 job. Work part-time jobs but they are both exceedingly flexible.
I know the things and activities that bring me joy and do them---writing, writing, and writing, swimming, collecting miniatures, going to concerts, shopping in
thrift stores, selling on eBay, doing my blog, and so forth.
How has aging influenced my writing? I can sit down and just let the words pour out of my heart....no struggle anymore. Life is a good teacher and, to me, it's also a tremendous gift. Thanks for asking. Susan
Hi Loree - LOL! I'm taking the entire month. Thanks for your good wishes. Oh, oh, I won??? Whoopee!
Hi Wendy - Thank you for celebrating with me. Birthdays are a gift from God, and I relish each one.
Hi Linda - Mom didn't give me her gift yesterday. She's saving it for my actual birthday. My birthday has already stretched to a week. :)
Hi Karen - Thank you! Life is good. I'm celebrating every moment.
Hi Aritha - Welcome! Thanks for commenting. I believe we have more to give as we age. While I'm not ancient, I hope your thoughts on the book come to pass.
Hi Jess - Aww, thanks! You're at a wonderful season of life. Those little ones grow up fast. Enjoy every minute. :)
Hi Nancy - Oh, I love your observations. You're right, you can get away with "quirkiness" as you get older. I'm thinking of the lady who wears purple. Uh, I'm her!
Hi Jill - Oh, I'm glad I made your heart smile. That made MY day. :)
Hi Melanie - I'll have to pop over there a little later. I have to get to the gym - gotta stay in shape if you want to enjoy life.
Hi Susan - Thanks. We have lots in common! Well, except the swimming part...yours truly never got the hang of that one.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Happy birthday! I hope it's been wonderful for you, Susan. Still thinking of you and the delightful Mizz K...hope that project's coming along!
Happy Birthday, and I LOVE this post! I've enjoyed getting older and realizing what truly is important in life.
Happy Birthday to you. (Repeat two times,emphasize the second word on the first repeat. Emphasize the fourth word on the second repeat.) Use a sing-song voice as you do this.
I realized several years ago that one perk of aging is that I don't have to prove myself in the same way I did before I reached a certain age-platform.
I also like #4. #5'S Nice too.
Hi Rhonda - Ms. K is taking her turn, but we've both been inundated lately. We'll get back on track soon.
Hi Cindy - Thank you! It's an important subject no matter what our age. :)
Hi Quiet Spirit - I've never had Happy Birthday "sung" to me quite like that. You brought a smile to my lips.
Blessings,
Susan
Happy birthday week Susan! I like your thoughts on aging, they made me think :) I will turn 50 this year, I should make a list too.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Marja -
One thing's for sure: we're all aging. I'd love to see your thoughts on the subject. Perhaps I've inspired you to do a blog post. :)
Blessings,
Susan
I missed this blog yesterday, Susan, but that makes me one day closer to your actual birthday. Happy happy day!
I remember that NYC World's Fair. It's a Small World was my absolute favorite. I can't even think how many times I went through that tunnel.
I love that quote!!! I hope your birthday is special!!
Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy your special day.
As for how aging has changed me, I learned that one person cannot be all things to me. I learned to seek pleasing God instead of some friend whose approval I craved. I guess I can say aging has straightened my priorities. And ain't it grand to see more clearly? I hope to continue learning and growing as a person.
Your list was beautiful. Be well.
Just wanted to come back and wish you a very happy birthday.
Hi Mary - Wasn't that fair delightful? My favorite was the G.E. Pavilion. Grandma insisted that dog was real. LOL!
Hi Terri - Thank you. It seems like every day brings a little surprise.
Hi Janette - Yes, it is grand to see things clearly. A lot of the confusion I experienced as a younger person has evaporated.
Hi Nancy - Aww, thanks, my friend.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Susan,
I need your mailing address. Can you email me with it?
Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! and many more!!
Hi Susan .. Happy Birthday for today! Yay I picked the right day to comment!
Ageing doesn't matter or seem to - we just need a positive take on life. My mother's illness and the fact I'm on my way to ancientness!!! has allowed me to realise I can write - and opens new horizons to explore as my time becomes freer ... for now I continue to learn and educate myself ..
Cheers and I do hope you have a happy time and fun weekend ahead .. Happy Days - cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary -
Thanks for the birthday wishes. :)
Good thoughts. We can either sit on the sidelines of life or live it fully.
Blessings,
Susan :)
My son's birthday was yesterday, and his wife's is tomorrow. They often celebrate together on the day in between. Happy belated birthday to you! I think late February is a good time for birthdays -- it's that hopeful, hope-filled, it's-almost-springtime, re-birth time of year. I hope 2012 will be a great year for you.
Hi Carol -
Happy Birthday to your son and his wife. :)
This birthday was especially nice. Even the weather cooperated. Usually, it's freezing, snowing, or gray. I've never had a sunny day in the 50's before.
Blessings,
Susan
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