This is my birthday month and I’m turning 62. Un-freaking-believable. It’s true–I was born in 1956. It’s also true that my neck and hands look more like my mother’s than my own. I’m aging. I figure I may as well go with it, but I’ll go in my own way, according to The Theory of Bad-Ass Aging.
As is my habit, I listened to an inspirational podcast this morning while washing up from breakfast. Today’s flavor: Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations. https://player.fm/series/series-2372201/dr-bj-miller-how-to-die. The conversation surrounded life, death, and regret. I journaled.
If Today Were my Last, I would Regret
Not . . .
Living my Plan B.
Learning to love myself, just the way I am.
Forgiving myself.
Loving Rick to capacity.
Bathing my kids, step-kids, and grandkids with love and generosity.
Doing shit my own way.
Plugging-in to my community.
Risking a plunge into the arena; saying yes to what the Universe offers me–especially when its scary.
Choosing kindness.
Being friendly.
Cultivating empathy.
Practicing mindfulness.
Learning: reading, attending seminars, listening to podcasts, surrounding myself with fresh ideas.
Staying physically active.
Eating well while avoiding over-restriction.
Telling my truth.
Writing.
Publishing.
Starting fresh every day.
Playing.
Doing all the above to set an example for my kids, step-kids, and grandkids when I’m too tried to do it for myself.
Forgiving myself when I don’t.
For now, this is my Theory on Bad-Ass Aging.
Always refreshing! I too, look at myself, and see my Mother and am thankful, that I do. I agree with your philosophy upon aging. Age is a matter of mind. I look at the picture you posted, that is the way I remember you. It evokes a time in my life, that I cherish.
Would I change things from the past? Perhaps. But I see where those choices have led me through my life. Some good, some bad, but all for learning, And now, looking forward to the next chapter? What to do? Where to go? Who to be? Be true to myself, for starters. Do the things I want to do, for the better of my community (wherever that leads me) be the best possible person, to others, that I can.
A philosophy, well learned, from…My Mother…
Thank you Debi! ox