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Once you reach a place of peace within yourself the inevitably of aging, sickness and death loses its trepidation. We do ourselves a great injustice by running away and trying to ignore the unavoidable. Our life and health are a temporary gift for us to use to better ourselves and this world. Part of our maturation is acknowledging our mortality and developing a belief system that allows us to be comfortable with our limitations.

I use to marvel at the joy and peace my grandmother exhibited as she grew into her nineties. At that time I was shallow enough to wonder how one could find delight in a body that was degenerating and a life that had almost expired. She would no longer be part of a passionate embrace, go for a walk in the woods surrounding her home, or enjoy the theatre yet she greeted every day with enthusiasm and interest.

Now as my face becomes more wrinkled and my body parts head downwards I realize that as much as I enjoyed my younger life I would not want to reverse my aging process. Through life's experiences I have earned every wrinkle, but in doing so I have also developed my philosophy on life and death. This has enabled me to accept that life's process includes aging (if we are fortunate enough to live that long) illness and eventual death. The calm and knowledge I have now far surpasses a flawless complexion and perfect body.

My generation is defined as the "baby boomers". Many of us are working hard to defy the odds of aging. We eat right, exercise to excess and spend money pampering and/or surgically improving our appearance. Sixty today is what fifty was a generation ago. We will live longer than the generations before us, but although delayed the ending will be the same and we need to come to terms with this thought.

If we do not rid ourselves of the fear of aging, sickness and death we will waste an exciting part of our life. There are many insightful and inspirational books and speakers that can help us along this path. As we age we usually have more time to nourish our souls and if not we must make the time. Each of us can approach these seemingly overwhelming inevitabilities with confidence and peace.

Learn more about this author, Marie Garner.
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