Tips To Aging With Grace

I consider myself blessed to have lived long enough to have graying hair.

I’ve been traversing through middle age for several years now and often find myself reflecting on the up’s and down’s thereof. Like it or not, we’re all getting older.

Several years ago an older gentleman shared with me his philosophy about aging. With a twinkle in his eye he said, “getting old is not too bad when you consider the alternative.” I agreed with him wholeheartedly!

So what have I learned as I work through the aging process?  Good question. After a little thought, here is a few of what I would call the treasures of aging. As I have aged………

1. I have become kinder to myself.

I’ve learned to become my own friend. Have you? I don’t chide myself quite as much as I used to, especially over things that really don’t matter. However, at the same time I know that I need to improve and continue to grow.

I’ve become kinder to myself.

2. I have obtained a greater freedom in life.

It doesn’t matter quite as much that I’m not the muscle man I once aspired to be; neither does it alarm me that my belly sticks out a little more than my trousers or my belt. 

I no longer feel compelled to fit in with the crowd or be suave and cool. I just want to be an example of an incarnational Jesus to the world.

I’ve obtained a greater freedom in life.

3. I have learned to appreciate many things in life that are the by-product of aging.

I consider myself blessed to have lived long enough to have graying hair. I’ve also accepted the fact that both the good and bad things of my life are forever etched into the ever deepening grooves on my face. 
 
Hopefully, most of them are put there by youthful laughter. Many have never laughed, and many have died before their hair could turn silver.

What a privilege to age!

4. I have become more positive.

As I age I find it easier to speak up without fear of rejection, to share both wisdom and experience. Aging well earns you the right to address life.
 
I’ve learned not to second guess myself quite as much and accept the fact that failing periodically does not make me a failure. I’ve come to believe that it’s part of the learning process.

I have become more positive.

Conclusion

Should the Lord allow, someday I’ll grow really old. I might become forgetful, or a bit naïve, but until that time, I’ve decided to enjoy the journey.

How are you aging? Are you struggling with it or aging wth grace?

Coach John

Comments

[Jerry Graham]

Couldn't have said it better, Coach John. Age is just a matter of perception. There's a whole bunch of us who think of you as young. Why don't you join us. It's a lot more fun. :-))
Toss me the beach ball again!
Blessings,
Jerry

[Steve Brown]

Good stuff as usual Coach. I am 42 and think I am learning to accept my my niche. Not feeling the self imposed pressure to "be everything to everybody."