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Friday, February 25, 2011

You're How Old?

When you reach a certain age you begin to cling to the past and stop looking to the future. There's a sudden sense that life is fleeting so you hold on to what you know and dread the prospect of tomorrow. After all what does tomorrow hold except the promise of reaching that fast approaching finish line? I'm at that certain age and I'm wrestling with the emotional paralysis that keeps me from moving forward. The rational me knows I'm being irrational - but the irrational mind can be quite pursuasive, particularly when it forces you to look closely at your reflection in the mirror - that receding hairline; the forks of folded skin outlining the eyes; those euphemis love handles -and isn't hair suppose to have color? Yesterday feels so long ago and youth seems like yesterday. What the hell happened?

Life is what happened. I know that. It moves along quickly when you're having fun or not paying attention. I don't plan to stop having fun but I'm beginning to appreciate the need to pay closer attention. There is so much beauty in the world around us and so much more to experience. We just need to pause, take it in, and live it. Part 2 - Chapter 1 is dedicated to that pursuit. I invite all who care to join in the pursuit to share how you're adjusting to the second act of your life and writing the first chapter of part 2.

Things to consider and comment on ...
  • Do you occasionally want to smack the person who calls you Sir or Ma'am?
  • Boxers or briefs?
  • Why does the hair on your head retire to your nose?
  • Is life better after a "certain age"?
  • How does aging affect your perspective on spirituality?

Hope to hear from all of you folks of a "certain age" out there!
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2 comments:

  1. Suzanne RocheFebruary 26, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    I really enjoyed your blog and can certainly weigh in on the woes of reaching that certain age! I absolutely hate being called ma'am, and really hate being called Sir, but that's when I know it's time to get the mustache waxed. I have been looking too closely at my face lately and my nose hairs, so gross! I decided not to look too close anymore, I can't handle it. I like to fool myself into thinking I still look like I'm thirty. So, that's the key, don't look too close and do not compare photos from now to your thirties, because it just hurts too much. The upside for me is that I do feel like I have grown in perspective and spirituality. I appreciate the simple things in life and realize I am so very blessed in this life! I look forward to part 2!

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  2. jrmcginFebruary 26, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    Suzanne – thanks for your humorous insights :)

    I suppose it’s a good thing when the mind conceals the reality of the flesh and puts the focus on the ageless spirit within. If we don’t let the physical world get the better of it that driving force never has to deal with nose hair and mustache waxing. Don’t get me wrong – we can’t ignore hygiene. But the spirit can travel much further when not weighed down by such baggage. Perhaps one of the keys to a happier Part 2 is learning to be comfortable in your own skin and letting your spirit soar.

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