Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about aging and what I like and don’t like about growing older.

I’m 47 years old. Although I like who I am now, I’m still trying to figure out how that happened, because in my head and body, I feel younger and stronger.  I know young people in their 20’s who are full of angst and worry about what people think. I long ago gave up having any effs about those kind of worries. I always like to say that it’s only numbers and you’re only as old as you feel. Is this true?

I guess you could say that I embrace getting older.  Possibly because I often remind myself that I love my life and every experience was meant to be.  The good stuff has been joyful, the bad stuff  has led me to where I am now. It has shaped me into the woman I am today. Sometimes, I am wide-eyed at the wonder of it all and how this one body of mine can contain so many versions of me. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I try not to obsess about each grey hair or wrinkle I get. There’s no point. I’ve never tried botox, cosmetic surgery or even expensive serums/creams. Beauty products can only do so much. That said, I do love taking care of myself. I live a very active lifestyle and enjoy eating healthy foods. Being active is good for my body, mind and soul.

The best part about getting older is forgiving yourself. It’s a real blessing. I am now harder and easier on myself. Yes, that’s possible.  I count my joys and try to overcome my sorrows.

I am more assertive, more confident, and undoubtedly more outspoken, too. I’m happier than I was 10 years ago. I don’t feel the urge to be polite and proper all the time. Don’t get me wrong,  I am not a rude person. But now I can tell people to “go away” when they are upsetting me. Time is too precious.

I find myself more comfortable in my own skin than ever before and more able to handle with perspective whatever life throws my way. I’m definitely more myself now than I would have allowed myself when I was younger, as I simply don’t have time for negative thoughts and worrying about what others will think . One of the biggest concerns that I find as I age isn’t necessarily for myself, but for the health of my mom and other older relatives and friends.

Time marches on no matter what. I have days when I wish time would slow down a bit. I want the good stuff to slow down.  Sometimes, I wish I could go back in time and stay 32 with my babies forever. #nevergrowup  All the wisdom and patience I have now… If only I had it then.

Graduations are always hard on me. They are a reminder that my babies aren’t babies anymore, and they have the diploma to prove it.

When my children were younger, I swore I stopped mentally aging myself. So in my head I was always 24. I think part of it was that my specific age ceased to matter once I became a mom because my life became more outward focused rather than inward. Also, playing with children makes you feel young. You get to delight in all the small wonderful things that dazzle them like chasing bubbles or jumping in puddles.

With age comes wisdom. I love the realization that most stuff is small and not worth worrying about.

The other day, I was thinking how the year 2007 feels like yesterday. I was a mere 37 then, yet it’s hard for me to conceive that it was a decade ago.

As I get older, I try to get a little better each day. Just a little.  I’m only human after all.

Growing old isn’t always easy, but it beats the alternative. Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.

Tell me, what do you like or dislike about aging?