Fwd: Blessed with Age

[Ramesh Menon]

Dear friends,

Remember Spandana saying yesterday at the workshop that it was much better being younger and thought I would send you this.

Ramesh

 

 

 

 

Subject: Blessed with Age

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of
myself.  I've become my own friend.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before
they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play, on the computer,
until 4 AM, or sleep until noon?  I will dance with myself to those
wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to
weep over a lost love, I will.
I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging
body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to,
despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful.  But there again, some of life is just
as well forgotten. And, I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken.  How can your heart not
break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when
somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car?  But, broken hearts are what
give us strength, and understanding, and compassion.  A heart never
broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of being
imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray,
and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on
my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair
could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what
other people think. I don't question myself anymore.
I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old.  It has set me free.  I
like the person I have become.  I am not going to live forever, but
while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have
been, or worrying about what will be.  And I shall eat dessert every
single day (if I feel like it).

      

 

  

--
Ramesh Menon
Syndicated Journalist, Film Maker and Corporate Trainer,
2356, ATS Greens Village, 1, Expressway,
Sector 93-A, Noida 201 304.
Handset: 9811633769
Res: 0120-4345676
http://www.linkedin.com/in/journalistramesh

[shashank kapoor]

This is sheer brilliance! The author's perspective resonates such immense positivity that has the strength to allay any fears/doubts about age. If you come to think of it, age is just a concept and is by definition limited whilst life is eternal.

As a personal mantra, I am greatly inspired by Lance Armstrong's comment in his book 'its not about the bike' where he says that even at the age of 100, he wants to zip on his bike with the same vigor as a 24 year old!

As we grow older, we realize that its far easier to 'feel good' even in the face of adversity. The key indeed is to focus on the brighter aspects and to celebrate regardless of the status quo. 

The article puts it justly - 'Eat desert every single day' !

Cheers!! 

Shashank