How Old Are You?
A week or two ago I was asked by a 6- year- old how old I am and how much longer I intend working. I told her I am 60 and am planning to work at least another 20 years in the saddle or as long as I can climb the stairs to my office. I assumed her question was a reflection of how she felt about coming to her sessions. Turns out, she has her eye on some of the toys in the Play Therapy room and wants to be first in line for a handout when I close shop.
Subsequent to this conversation AGE has come up a few times in other scenarios. Two mothers of young children confessed that when their children ask their mothers age they say 21 or 25 when in fact they have long ago passed those milestones.
To be honest I find the age conversation quite tiresome. It seems to me we are focusing on the factor that is out of our control. Everything alive or not ages, plants, pets, furniture, books, people, you-name-it, it ages. We don’t have control of the quality of our genes or the fact that we age. HOWEVER, what we have control over is the maintenance and care of our mind, body and soul and our attitude regarding what crosses our paths. Our genes will determine a percentage of the quality of our ageing process, but even the best genes neglected or abused will deteriorate quicker than expected.
A wise friend once commented. No matter how well we age or how long we live, no one escapes decline. The purpose of ageing in the cycle of life is a topic for another blog. Today is about where we cast our focus. I am trying to focus on the how I approach ageing, and avoiding the senseless angst about the fact that I am 60 plus.
A close friend of ours is completely freaked out by turning 60 in 6 months. Ask anyone who has had a brush with end of life as a result of a medical diagnosis or an accident and they will undoubtedly be celebrating every new day and year and be more than happy to reach 60.
Let’s commit to celebrating another day/year to live, contribute to the world, connect with loved ones, etc etc. Let’s commit to care and maintenance of the body we have, enjoying what we can still do and avoid endless chatter about what we can’t.
We don’t have much control or choice of how the end of our life will play out, however if I do have any choice, mine would undoubtedly be
To LIVE until I die!
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Disclaimer:
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns regarding your mental or physical health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
