“Youth is a gift of nature, but age is a work of art.”
Stanislaw jerzy lec
Whoo Hoo!!! I celebrated another birthday this past week. By the time you read this, I will be another year older, wiser, and seasoned to near perfection. However, on the morning of my birthday, I awakened to the reality that my little sister would not be the first call I would receive. Nevertheless, I believe my sister would want me to enjoy my day and allow others to celebrate me in the same we did for each other.
Meanwhile, I got to thinking about what is so happy about a happy birthday? What is it about a birthday that can make it so happy, in the first place? For some, it may be the gifts, the friends, or the unexpected surprises. And it may be all of that, but I want to offer a few other gems that may help you find your “happy” the next time someone tells you happy birthday.
The making of a woman who has continued to grow is a beautiful thing to behold.
– Naomi Wolfe
I cannot tell you how edifying it is to continue learning at this time in my life. If I can be candid, I am getting a kick out of learning from my adult niece and nephew, my sister’s kids. They are teaching me new ways to operate in a tech-savvy world while also sharing their opinions on what matters most to them. Our discussions have invigorated new attitudes and dismissed some dated ideologies.
Our growth reflects the evolution of one’s soul, mental aptitude and expands our emotional tank. I believe it was Spike Lee who said in a recent interview, “History repeats itself. We can learn from History – if we wake up! So, I’m going to keep on learning until I die.” Learning those AHA moments reveals new truths. And, I am a better person because I have opened myself to learn. When I returned to college to pursue my graduate degree, the window of possibility cracked a tiny bit to the idea of going for my doctorate. In fact, once I started the first class, it opened up profound curiosity in me. Conceivably there is a greater appreciation for learning as an adult versus what I felt at 18. I urge you to find a cooking class, learn a second or third language, take time out to sit with a therapist. Tap into those interests. Learn you! Check out the New Skills Academy. You may just find something that peaks your interest. Click here for their website.
It’s important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle.
-Unknown
Embrace the people who make you smile. Watch your favorite romantic comedy or comedy show and laugh out loud – even if you are the only one in the room. I’ve heard one elder say that she has no intention of sitting around knitting. Instead, she’s gonna keep clicking the Life Alert button to see how many firefighters show up. What spunk!!
Stay active. My latest tennis partner is in her 80’s. Daily, she appears on the court ready to have a great game. Now her grandson accompanies her to our morning sets. They are watching her, and she is so elated to share this part of her life with her grandchildren.
You have to embrace getting older. Life is precious, and when you’ve lost a lot of people, you realize each day is a gift.
– Meryl Streep
My dear departed sister and I share our birthdays in May, four days apart. We celebrated our birthdays on the other’s respective birth dates. It was something we did since we were kids and carried the practice into our adulthoods. Ultimately, it became easier and more special to celebrate her. She was the hardest working woman I knew who didn’t spend much time doing for herself. Instead, she worked so that she could provide for her kids in the best way she could. Spending the day with her turned out to be the best birthday gift I could have ever received. Seeing her happy and elated that we were together was especially meaningful to us. We kept that tradition alive until her passing in June 2020. I am super grateful I was able to have one more birthday with her. Take the time out to appreciate the sun rises and the sunsets. Actively listen to the sounds of the city, birds chirping, and laughing children. Getting older grants you permission to accept the gift of life. Be selfish and take it!
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
– C.S. Lewis
Admittedly, there was a time I feared getting older because it meant the end of the possibilities of doing more. I believed that as long as I was young, there was more to do. I couldn’t be more wrong. It seemed when I was younger, I was so busy making a living and ignored making a life.
Now, each birthday allows me to see another new day with new mercies and new blessings. Each day provides another chance to make good on my past indiscretions or forgive. It’s another year to cast a new vision for the next 365 days. For me, I’ve set my sights on a fitness and wellness journey. I’m committing each new day to meet this new goal.
You have the choice to either celebrate yourself or wallow in what you are unable to accomplish. Allow your curiosity to motivate you to step out and be fearless. “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.” (Psalm 92:14)
Our Creator has had a plan for us since before we were born. He had our days numbered since the beginning of time, and it is up to us to make wise decisions to help our bodies live a more vibrant and whole life and impart our wisdom to those placed in our lives. Unfortunately, our once energetic young bodies may ultimately become frail and no longer have that bounce-back that they used to have. Even still, you don’t have to just waste away; God has provided us with resources to get up and get active, to make more health-conscious choices to help extend the years we may have.
Finally, God has allowed you to share what you have learned from your many days on this earth to help others still growing and learning the ways of this world. The knowledge and wisdom you have gained over the years are like a secret treasure to those needing a little sage advice. You have been allowed to share your experiences as teachable moments for the generations to come. Each of these privileges is a blessing in and of itself!
…now what, Linda
now what, Linda? 