Privileges of Aging

Today is my birthday.

Birthdays used to bum me out. Getting older used to bum me out.  Until my mom died seven years ago. Ever since then, I've embraced aging. Not everyone has the honor and privilege of aging. This hit home once again for me this week. (See my previous post below.) Aging should be embraced and not something to be dreaded. There are so many great things about getting older.

• I care much less about what other people think of me. It's freeing.
• I have more money saved, so my life is more freeing. I don't worry about living month to month or losing my job.
• Not caring about losing my job has actually allowed me to ENJOY my job very much. It is my CHOICE to be there at work.
• I've got a ton of memories and photos to look back on.
• I look good FOR MY AGE. Sometimes when people find out how old I am they are shocked. :)
• I've mellowed a bit so that things bother me less now. I used to get worked up about everything.
• My gray hairs are almost like highlights.  Almost.
• You can start sentences like, "When I was your age..."

 I will have more photos and stories about my birthday in a later post this week. For now, enjoy this post by Todd last year on my birthday.  

And this photo and video from my 35th birthday surprise a few years back.

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