Freedom Is My Gift For Getting Old

 

Reasons why getting older is a party to be savored…

When I was growing up in the 1960s, I was taught to never trust anyone over 30. That worked great when I was 19, 20 and 21. By the time I approached 31, 40, 50, 60 and beyond, it has been a different story.

I have the freedom to speak my mind

When I express my opinion, I am given a bit of respect because I am an older woman. I’m not so old as to be considered ‘elderly,’ but I do have opinions that are sometimes listened to.

I noticed that I have given up the need to be right. When I don’t have to be right all the time, I can listen to the story of the other person involved. I can accept and love without judgment. I have the ability to listen and learn with the acceptance that the universe is so much larger than my own views.

Now there is also the experience factor. I have lived through enough difficulties in life that when someone asks advice about a difficult situation at home — they are more likely to listen to me because I may have lived through it in my own life.

I always aim to focus on the positive possibilities of every challenge, lending encouragement and support to others. In my family relationships, peculiarities are tolerated because my family says, “Oh, that’s just how she is.” The few friends I have who matter know me and accept me with grace and humor. I call this freedom!

I have the freedom to follow my passions

During my years working in the corporate world, there were societal expectations. There were paths to take in order to gain a promotion and make adequate money to fund my life and the life of my family.

I made a good start on that path, then decided to go into business for myself.

I then had the freedom to make it look any way I wanted it to look. I worked on my own terms in a way that made sense in my life at the time. It was rewarding to meet with those that were starting out and encourage them in their careers.

I am free to pick up other interests, too. I decided to try my hand at writing and became a blog writer to see what kind of following I could generate. I have a set workout and self-care routine in place and follow it consistently. I started a non-profit organization where we collect donations of unwanted purses, fill them with toiletries, and hand them out to homeless women on the street. I have a bucket list and travel several times a year. I never had the time or undivided mind to do this before.

I am freer to give my time to causes I believe in. I no longer have the guilt over taking time from my family to do the things I want. Now I’m busy, they are busy, and we’re all happy.

I have freedom to forgive

As I get older, I realize I am not interested in holding grudges. If I have many years left or only a few, I won’t waste those years holding grudges that were largely meaningless. I would rather spend my energy accepting and loving the people around me.

Finally, I can forgive myself for all the stupid things I did when I was young- and there were many. I can look with love at that young person and be grateful for the growth I have gained.

I have developed a deep appreciation for what I encountered and survived. It is now is a blessing to be able to encourage others in their difficulties, assuring them that peace can lie ahead for them.

I no longer see a reason to dread getting older but, rather, go there gracefully. The road is open. A tremendous freedom to be enjoyed lies ahead indeed. The way I see it, from here on it’s all a party — the golden years, as they say .

Won’t you come along and join me?