May 8, 2005
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“When I was young, I never needed anyone, and making love was just for fun, those days are gone…”
My son stopped by yesterday for a couple of hours before picking up his finance and heading back to
All of this has me feeling pretty old. I’ll have to say, however, that I’m beginning to realize that there are some advantages to getting older. Here’s a few that have occurred to me lately:
- When I was young, I used to wonder why older people sometimes just spoke their minds without trying to mince their words. Now that I’m older I realize that, in many cases, I’ve earned the right not to have to explain myself.
- When I was young, I used to constantly seek the approval and accolades of friends and others when undertaking tasks. Now that I’m older, if I’m convinced I did a good job on something, that’s enough.
- When I was young, I wouldn’t be caught dead in public without dressing in the latest fashions. Now that I’m older, I find going to Wal-Mart in Bermuda shorts, black socks, and a dirty baseball cap extremely liberating.
- When I was young, I used to be obsessed with trying to impress the opposite sex. Now that I’m older, I’ve figured out that the best way to impress my wife is simply to be here and pay attention.
- When I was young, I read and learned because I had too. Now that I’m older, I read and learn because I love too.
- When I was young, it took a great deal to keep me entertained. Now that I’m older, my porch swing, a glass of wine, a great book, and my wife’s company are more entertainment than I could ever hope for.
- I can intimidate 20-something store clerks if I need too.
- I can sing along with the car radio at the top of my lungs without any sense of embarrassment.
- I finally understand that life isn’t about what I’m going to accomplish tomorrow, it’s about everything that I have to be thankful for today.
So here’s to getting older.
In just a few more years I can start enjoying those AARP discounts and driving 40 mph on the interstate.
- When I was young, I used to wonder why older people sometimes just spoke their minds without trying to mince their words. Now that I’m older I realize that, in many cases, I’ve earned the right not to have to explain myself.
Comments (11)
Aging is freeing in many ways, isn’t it ? Great post – great points.
As to the Cafe du Monde, there is nothing like dodging pigeon droppings first thing in the morning, to start the day off right. Those who have never been, cannot possibly understand how this ranks as a fond memory.
How true, how true! I used to think being a teenager was as important as could be, and now I realize it would be a long and poor life indeed if we peaked at 17 and went downhill from there. OK, so I was more attractive then–but that’s about the only thing I’d take back. My priorities have matured and changed drastically, too. That porch swing with a cold drink, a good book, and a loved one sounds damned nice to me, too! Thanks for a great post!
As usual, well written. Thanks for the smile I got from reading this.
Good lord… whatever happened to Eric Carmen, anyway?
All BY MY-SE-EH-ELF…
An exceptional post as always!!!
I have said, “When you’re 15, all you’re looking forward to is the driver’s permit. Then 16 brings in the driver’s license. 18, you can vote. 19, you can legally buy tobacco products. 21, you can legally buy alcoholic beverages. All I have to look forward to is a 401K and a hysterectamy.”
The end.
Excellent thoughts that I think we can all agree with!
I can relate to each & every one of your thoughts! I think I will share this post with my husband as he turned 40 today!
RYC: Don’t be ridiculous. Of course I don’t have Carl Jung bookends. I have Erik Erikson bookends.
Another advantage to being older is that all of the cute cocktail waitresses and bar tenders talk to me because they don’t see me as trying to get them in bed!
Some of these make me smile with understanding, and some me me plain chuckle out loud! Thanks.