Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you got younger every year instead of older? Or how much happier you’d be then?
Don’t feel bad if you have. You’d be in great company as the great wordsmith Mark Twain also conceived of and voiced such an idea.
“Life would be infinitely happier if we could
only be born at the age of eighty and
gradually approach eighteen.” ~Mark Twain
If only! And infinitely happier? I don’t know. I’m happy enough with the way life has unfolded for me so far. How about you?
Did you just feel an urge to look at yourself in the mirror? Don’t feel bad. I felt it too.
And because you gave in and looked, you saw more wrinkles, found new grey hairs. Then, because of Mark Twain’s quote and my inopportune question, you’re obsessing about your thighs and soft butt.
Please, pause it right there. That’s not how I’d like you to react to this post. It’s true. You’d have seen those things. But the only reason the wrinkle and the greys would be there is because they are there. (shock!) You’re older!
Please don’t be bothered by this shocking revelation as it is not the end of the world.
and you are better, happier, and wiser than yesterday
Much wiser than the idea Mark Twain is fooling around with. That just will not come to
be– ever!
Here’s something to ground you:
- The change occurring outwardly does not compare with the inward change that’s
leading– making you wiser– showing you how to accept the change - Self-actualization is a work in progress. It does not extinguish itself with the
addition of age - You get to decide how much effort you invest in creating a healthy mindset
The third point is crucial, as the way you choose to think about the change will
determine how you deal with the experience.
And friends, these new fabulous things we’ve gained wouldn’t be making us so
optimistic if we hadn’t let go of what we knew and hadn’t dared to embrace the
unknown.
Something has indeed ended, but it’s also true that something new– something better
and stronger has begun.
-we can live our lives acting out of circumstances or
-we can act out of a vision
I know you are more informed now to make the best choice, so keep learning
and keep dancing to the tune that suits your spirit. For me, it will be something
like this– another tune in parallel keys (correct me if I’m wrong, please).
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is a song co-written by soul singer Otis Redding and guitarist Steve Cropper. It was recorded by Redding twice in 1967, including once just days before his death in a plane crash. The song was released on Stax Records’ Volt label in 1968,[2] becoming the first posthumous single to top the charts in the US.[3]
Image1 by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image2 by Andre Mouton from Pixabay
What a milestone to be on the brink of sixty!
“…and the blue sky
was awash with
colorless peacocks,”
~ Kenji Miyazawa, Preface to Spring and Ashura
Happy becoming, everyone.
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So beautiful picture. What nice thought for Mark Twain. Very truelly write.
Amazing picture for self in the mirror of feeling better.
Nice recommend the age of life happier feeling.
You liked that picture, huh? Me too. Thanks, Raj. Blessings.
Yes, really like.
Interesting question!!! And a very tempting thought… I like the Mark Twain quote a lot! But we couldn’t be 18 with decades of knowledge in our baggage… Better leave things as they are.
Best leave as they are. Yes. Agree. Wise words. XoXo
I feel much better both mentally and emotionally than when I was younger. I love the freedom of growing older. I’m no longer bound by conventions or the expectation of the society.
It’s liberating like you said in a previous comment. So happy to hear, Sadje. Blessings.
Thanks 🙏🏼
I have to say, I feel amazing having just turned 50!😁
Amazing is amazing. Love knowing this. Stay that way my lovely. XoXo
I don’t think its being younger that will make anyone happier but accepting the fact that you are getting older and coming to terms with it that will make you much happier, age is only a number after all. 😉
You are wise. Very. Daphny, bless you.
Bless you too Selma
The inward change makes the outward less important as we go. I realize I used to be a perfectionist when younger about hair, makeup, etc, now I just want to age gracefully, and try to be healthy for me and no one else. Much happier now! 💓
And you will age gracefully I’m sure, Tricia. Happiness keeps one healthy and young at heart. Thanks for the comment. XoXo
Being thankful, EVERY DAY, has made me happier. My motto is that even on the absolute WORST day of your life, there was something to be thankful for!
There always is something to be thankful for.
Be well dear friend. Bless you. Xoxo
Happy birthday, Selma! The negative aspects of aging are well-known, but awareness of the positive aspects is lacking! Thank you for bringing the advantages into focus! (I am 73.)
Thanks Cheryl. It’s all fear telling us to not braise the subject of aging. The advantages are many. Let’s focus on those. Thanks for the comment my friend. Hope things have return to normal after that storm. Bless you.
I definitely wouldn’t want to go back to my early days for many reasons. I’m not unhappy being 65 at all – I’ve gained so much wisdom along the way. I can speak more honestly, something I was shy to do even a few years ago. As for looking in the mirror (and I love the images you’ve used in this post, especially the monkey), I have to confess that I’m not keen on my wrinkles and the dark circles under my eyes. However, although I’m having an emotionally/mentally tough time at the moment, one good thing I have is that I have enormous gratitude for so many things in my life. This is something that I’ve certainly cultivated along the way.
How do you find such perfect and apt pictures other than using free image sites – they are wonderful?) Love Ellie Xxx 💛🌹💚
Right?! I wouldn’t want to go back.
About the photos, Pixabay or Pexels. But I do need a scolding as I search too long.
Thanks for reading I bless you.
I still wish for a time machine to go back to my younger body, before I became ill with ME/CFS, but in every fantasy I want to keep my mind the way it is now. I wouldn’t sacrifice everything I’ve learned along the way. So I know that I place more value on my internal state, compared to my external.
You’re wise to focus on internal. Be well, sweet lady. Blessings.
Love your post Selma!
❤️
The change occurring outwardly does not compare with the inward change that’s
leading– making you wiser– showing you how to accept the change”
wiser smarted next year, 😹 So funny, I wrote something similar today for Monday.
💜