by Blaire Daniels

Created on: July 12, 2008

A lot of people my age feel old. I refuse to feel my age (almost 65). You are as young as you feel and I feel great, despite the normal aches and paines that accompany growing older. We know we can't do the same things we did when we were younger. Our body tells us so.

I am thankful I am here to grow old. I have seen life end much too soon for some young people. I want to grow old gracefully and not complain. We have to be grateful for each day we are here on this earth.

I have heard this stament many times, as I am sure you have. "Life is not a dress rehersal, we have one shot at it and make the best of it you can."

I am glad we have memories to cling to because we can look back on our life and have seen where we have been and where we are going.

I am proud of my laugh lines and my gray hair. I used to color my hair but when I quit work I decided to let the gray grow out. And just the other day I was given a compliment on my hair color and I said, "It is naturally gray".

Growing old to me means to have no regrets and I wouldn't change anything in my life except for a few pounds. We all make mistakes along the way but that is just part of life. Hopefully we have learned from them by now.

I have a mother-in-law who just turned 92 years old and she looks great. She takes a lot of pride in her appearance and likes herself. She still lives alone. She has outlived two husbands. She lives in a three story home and goes up and down the stairs. She says, "The stairs keep her young". She still drives but I think that might be changing in the near future. She cooks for herself but not the big meals she used to. She loved giving parties and planned the meals and prepared them by herself. She is a great cook and hostess. Everything has to be just right. She is a fine example of growing old.

When I was working a co-worker turned 50 years old and was upset all day. I finally took her aside and said to be proud and happy she was here to celebrate her big day with her family and that should mean a lot. She looked at me and smiled and said, "You are right", I am not going to feel sorry for myself for getting another year older. I told her "You'r not getting older, you are getting better".

I am going to grow old with dignity and pride in myself. I am a natural girl or older woman who only takes vitamins. What you see is what you get and enjoy each day as if it was your last.

Like and love yourself.

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