by Marie Vonow (follow)

Self Acceptance (7)      Aging (6)      Age (5)      Unique (5)      Individuality (3)     

There is a lot written about trying to look younger or act younger than you are. Women often aren't encouraged to cherish growing older. It is seen as something to be ashamed of rather than something to celebrate. There now are a few publications trying to change this attitude but even then there seems to be an underlying belief a woman should hide getting older and try to make others believe she is younger than she is.

I recently read a quote that resonated with me. Louise L. Hay said, ‘Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious, for you shall only live it once. Be comfortable with growing older.’ I like that idea of being comfortable with growing older.

Okay, so I am in my early sixties. I am aware of some aches and pains but am doing my best to protect my health. I find myself noticing something that could be a tripping hazard and moving it so I don't trip instead of thinking, 'I must warn other people that's there. I don't want them to trip over it.'

Except for the aches and pains, I don't want to be younger than I am. There are definitely advantages to being older. Everyone has different views and even those who agree with this sentiment will see different advantages.

Advantages of being older I see include-
1. Having greater understanding which leads to empathy
There are plenty of things I simply couldn't understand when I was young and hadn't lived through all sorts of experiences. It is one thing to read or hear about something or have someone try to explain it. It's quite another to have done something yourself which is similar in some way. I do not believe it is possible to 'put an old head on young shoulders'. Life is simply something you have to experience for yourself to understand it. (That's my opinion.)

2. Enjoying time on my own
When I was young, being seen in a cafe or at a movie on my own would have meant I had no friends, that nobody wanted to be with me and therefore I was a failure as a human being. Wow, the pressure. Now it just means I want to enjoy some time on my own. Although I love spending time with family and friends, I cherish and relish spending some time on my own.


3. Feeling capable of making my own decisions
In the past I've made some mistakes, but guess what, I survived and learned something from those experiences. I am not as afraid of making a mistake now. I've also got experience behind me which often helps me make a choice or decision that has a good result.

4. Feeling it's okay to be an individual
I've worked out not everyone will agree with what I do, say or think. Not everyone will like me. When I was young I desperately wanted to please everyone. Although I don't want to make enemies, it doesn't bother me so much now if others see the world differently and perhaps even think I am wrong. In fact sometimes this can lead to interesting discussions. It's all part of being an individual.

These advantages of getting older are part of me feeling comfortable about the aging process, in spite of those aches and pains.

# Age
# Aging
# Individuality
# Self Acceptance
# Unique

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