Subscribe in a readerBirthdays #1
In a short time, I’ll be experiencing my birthday. My whole life I have always expected the world to stop on that day and acknowledge me (that’s a somewhat embarrassing declaration given my age, after all, I am no longer 8 years old!) Moving to Fort Collins from the smaller community of Gunnison has changed how I spend that day. I no longer spend the entire week of my birthday lunching with close friends who have known me for more than 15 years, sharing amazing cream puffs made by my friend Maureen and opening gifts day after day. This year, I will be taking the day off work and have no specific plans. None. The thing is, that’s ok. It’s my gift to me – I’m treating me to a break and I may spend the whole day drinking tea on the deck, sitting under a tree reading, or wear my pajamas all day, even to work in the garden (I’ve never done that but find SARK inspiring enough to give it a try).
In her book, Transformation Soup, SARK has a great list about aging:
“The evidence of my aging I have seen so far:
- When I get dressed up to go out I feel oddly invisible and not attractive in the ways I used to rely upon.
- Waiters always call me ma’am.
- My lipstick bleeds.
- The crow’s feel have a heavier step.
- I feel too old for certain clothing in department stores.
- I am mistaken for being the mother of my younger friends.
- My hair is slightly thinner.
- I rely more on my glasses.
- My mother is older.
It’s an embarrassing relief to write of these things.”
- SARK, Transformation Soup
I love this list and find I relate to many parts of it, wanting to add to her list with:
The person I see when I look in the mirror is much older than the one I feel like inside.
The list could go on and on. Tomorrow I’ll share SARK’s benefits and gifts of her aging.
Amen about the person you feel like on the inside being younger than what you see in the mirror. I feel the same way. SARK is right that the ways we gauge how we feel depend less and less on how we look on the outside.
I remember reading years ago–and I forget who said it, but I’d like to know–that we get the face we deserve by age 35. I don’t remember what it said about the face we have when we’re older than that. No matter. I don’t much care anymore about anything other than how satisfied and happy I look.
This week, I had dinner with my old friend, Herb. Later, I was trying to remember how we became such good friends, and it occurred to me that it was because every time Herb was in town, he stopped by my office and gave a really big, hearty smile, asked how I was doing, and said he was doing great. I just loved his enthusiasm.
So on your birthday, I expect that any of the plans you suggest will put a big smile on your face, and that you will be great company because of it. Age doesn’t diminish enthusiasm and well being. I agree with SARK and with you.
Comment by Nat — May 25, 2007 @ 9:27 pm