Old ?
Posted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
by Joyce Dunn
I know it's a cliche', but really, who IS that person looking back from the mirror at me? Who ARE those people in my high school class reunion photo? I can't be pushing 70! I simply can't. I don't feel that old. Inside I'm about 40. Well, maybe 50, but 70? No way!
I wish people would stop trying to convince me I'm old. Oh, they don't argue with me. No, it's much more subtle than that. It's things like moaning when getting up after sitting too long, and lamenting about being old. OK, so I moan a little too, but it's not because I'm old. It's simply because I get a little stiff if I sit too long.
Or saying they like to be around children because they keep you young. Personally I like to be around children just because they are such a delight to watch.
Or making comments about how things aren't the way they used to be. Can you name even one thing that always stays the same? Why would you want it to? That would just be boring.
Or talking about having a 'senior moment.' If periodically forgetting something qualifies as a senior moment, then my senior moments began in my twenties. I prefer the term 'brain cramp' to describe those moments.
In our 30's we say we wish things could slow down just a little. Then, when they do, we complain that it takes too long to accomplish any given task. What happend to wanting to slow down?
I think maybe the problem is with our focus on what numbers mean. When I was 50 my son asked me how old I was. When I told him, he replied,
"Really! I didn't know you wer that old."
I informed him I was NOT old. He recovered quickly by saying,
"I know you're not. I just didn't know the number was that high."
So, how about we stop attaching a meaning to our birthday number? How about celebrating every time the number gets bigger?
Meanwhile, I think I'll stop looking in the mirror.
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More commentsThanks Nenita, glad you enjoyed it
Fun article, Joyce. I enjoyed it thoroughly! Getting into those higher numbers really isn't for sissies, is it? I'm with you on doing my best not to look in the mirror too much...I have to check every once in awhile, though, to make sure my hair isn't too scary and my lipstick isn't on my teeth.DebiYeah, we do have to do that, don't we? :) Glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for the nice rating.
I agree with you. Getting old can be viewed from another perspective. Instead of being frustrated with it, we should celebrate the gift of life.Thanks Jim. I always perfer to see the glass as half full.
Nice job, getting down to the meaning of old, Joyce. Great use of humor and candor. I enjoyed the dialogue between you and your son, too. It made your story even more real.
Thanks again. I had fun writing it.
Nice article and I'm with you--I'll stop looking in the mirror too.Thanks Steve. I'm not sure which is worse, mirrors or photographs. :)
I'll be 61 next month and you know the older I get the better I feel. Of course not physically but mentally. Good article JoyceHi David, What a nice attitude. Can't say I disagree.
Like my husband says about old age, "We've all got it coming." You're as old as you feel. You can choose to think young but your body may just have a little trouble keeping up. :) Don't fret too much about getting older Jean, what's the alternative?Fun article. :)Thanks Brianna, yep, sometimes the body does have a little trouble keeping up. Overall, tho it's not toooo big a deal to me. :)
I turned 31 yesterday and although the number isn't that high yet I feel it is impossible to be where I am in life. I really feel as if I'm at that stage of tring to slow things down. My girls are growing so fast that I am left spinning. thanks for putting it in perspective for meThanks Steven. Wait til you hit 40. There is definitely some truth in the "Life begins at 40" thing. :)
Good article. Loved your humor. I think you're right, our minds don't know how old we are.Linda DThanks Linda, glad you enjoyed it.
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