Fear Not

I am assuming at 46 years of age, I am entering the second half of my life. My son reminds me that I am being very optimistic. Whether I live to be 92 or not, I am entering a new season of life. With both children off to college we sail into unchartered territory surrounded by unknown seas. And to add insult to injury, the signs of aging are becoming more obvious.

With lots of quiet time to ponder the future, many questions surface. Have I taken the best care of myself the first 45 years? Did I do everything I could to create a solid foundation of values for my children? What will my husband and I do with all the time together? What am I going to do with when I grow up?

These questions and many more come from a place of fear–-fear of aging and growing old; but is it really that bad? According to an article from allwomenstalk.com –“there’s really no point in being afraid of something that happens to us all, and it’s far from the disaster people imagine.” If you are dealing with similar issues related to this fear of aging, here are some realities that may help ease your anxieties.

Firstly, there are indeed advantages to growing old. Studies reveal that as we age we become happier in ourselves and more confident. The older generation worry far less about what people think and have more clarity about what they want in life.

Gaining deep understanding of who you are and having an appreciation for where you are in life is also to be experienced by more mature individuals. In the later stages of life, ones’ quest for peace and happiness takes a front seat.

Bonus–older folks are less inclined to make stupid mistakes. Let’s leave that to the 20 year olds.

Fortunately the more you live, the more you realize that there is an immense universe of truth and understanding that we can tap into. As we get older, we begin to crave this feeling of creative openness. This is when some decide to go back to school, change careers, pick up a musical instrument or write a book.

At this stage of life you may be more committed to the learning because it is a choice not a requirement. You can finally enjoy learning simply for the benefit of gaining knowledge and insight.

My Mom reminds me that there are behaviors that should only be tolerated by old people. It’s like a rite of passage. No more apologies needed for certain otherwise socially unaccepted conduct. So–go ahead–burp, pass gas, feed junk to the grandkids, and be brutally honest. You’ve earned it.

As I observe the graceful way in which my parents and other friends and family members are aging, I am comforted. They are enjoying extensive travel, excellent health, good friends and neighbors, hobbies, and play time with grandkids–-so, don’t freak out! Life will only pass you by if you let it. Make the most of it and create opportunities for yourself–the best is yet to come.

For questions or comments email: suzannemcginnis@me.com