There are some down sides to getting old as we all know, but there are some advantages as well.
Some. Not a lot.
I need to keep reminding myself of this, lest I fall into the evil pit of stressing over wrinkles, sag and the inability to turn a cartwheel without injuring myself.
So what’s the upside to reaching middle age? Well, I can only speak for myself. Coming up with a list of 6 was a stretch.
Here goes:
- You get to watch your kids grow into beautiful, funny, talented people. This makes up for the oldness/crankiness/inflexibility you’re observing in yourself.
- You wonder in awe Where did they get their awesome sense of humor, silky hair and beautiful smiles? Then you remember and take credit for a job well done.
- You don’t really care what people think of you anymore and you aren’t afraid to tell them.
- You know that the little things in life are important. You know which little things to cherish and which ones to forget as quickly as possible.
- You’re more comfortable being completely yourself. Pretending is exhausting and not worth the effort.
- You’ve quit worrying that everyone else is right and you are wrong. You know damn well, from experience, that they are wrong and you are right.
I think there is clarity with age about what precisely needs changing and what needs to be embraced.
For example, I used to have this problem. I would walk away from all kinds of relationships and situations without explanation. Some may call this running away. I call it peacefully removing myself from extreme discomfort.
It’s not a problem anymore. I’ve decided I like being this way. (Note: according to Myers-Briggs, this is absolutely typical for my personality type.)
It’s kind of fun. And simple.
I’ve walked out of jobs mid day. I’ve walked away from relationships and friendships without saying a word. Seriously, if the people I walk away from can’t figure out why, then they’re the ones with the problem.
and sweet’s the air with curly smoke
from all my burning bridges. – Dorothy Parker
Don’t worry about the fires. You aren’t crossing that way again.
The jobs I left were painfully boring. Another minute would have killed me. And the people? Simple. I caught a lie or more likely 10, because I am the queen of second chances. Or maybe they were constantly critical of everyone, everywhere or tried to tell me what to do too often. Pay attention when people tell you what to do. It will illuminate how little they know you, which means they haven’t been listening. In my world, that’s worse than sloth, gluttony and watching football.
Okay. Listen, I’m very easy to get along with. I am. Life is too short to waste at a job that makes you insane or with people who are no damn good for you.
I hope you don’t mind me saying so.
- Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. – Dr. Seuss
About Amy
