Here I sit in my retirement recliner, nearing my eighth decade of life. A fleeting question hit my brain...........are there benefits of aging? Oh, boy, that's a biggie, but I'm fairly certain others beside me are pondering that question.
I refuse to refer to us as older people, but choose to say we are well-seasoned individuals. That implies we're like a flavorful dish. Our life experiences have been the salt, pepper and spices.
- Well-seasoned people have a better understanding of relationships and have the acquired wisdom to figure out how to deal with them.
- We tend to be more reliable and dependable. Others can count on us to follow through and do what we say we will do.
- We are no longer push-overs. Nor should we be pot-stirrers. There is immense wisdom in living one's own life and letting others live theirs.
- We no longer have to go to work, set alarm clocks and put up with the politics of the workplace.
- Our accomplishments afford us with contentment.
- CONTENTMENT is a powerful asset. It brings us a sense of satisfaction and peace with one's life circumstances. Studies show there's a correlation between high levels of contentment and reduced risk of depression and mental health issues. Contentment helps us adapt to the challenges that come with living longer.
- The more seasoned we are, the more we appreciate the moment. Perhaps this is the only time of life where this is possible. Our lifelong friendships become the gold nuggets in our pockets. Nothing can compare to that business of being a friend and having a friend.
- There's more time for us to practice gratitude. Being grateful encourages us to accept what is, rather than what is not.
- The more seasoned we are, the more we appreciate what others do for us.
- I'm finding that later-life is providing me with answers to questions that didn't have answers when I was younger. There's a fulfillment that comes to us. Maybe it's better said that I have a better understanding than I had when I was younger. My intuition is at its sharpest now. With that comes the ability to choose what enters my life and what does not. Well-seasoned also reflects that business of being hurt many times in life. We eventually come to where we say, nope, this ain't gonna be. Maybe now I realize that my life is significant, and I must take care of myself, inside and out. If that requires putting up walls, then that's what I shall do. When a person senses that the gig is almost over, the mind overrules the heart.
- We well-seasoned ones worry less about what others think. This increases self-acceptance and confidence. Peer pressure is zero.
- At this stage, it's easier to focus on the positive memories and emotions. That is what I do every day. We can better manage our emotions.
- For myself, I cannot put a monetary amount on the sense of freedom that comes with this late stage.
- We seasoned souls can now see what we need and what we don't need. We see how short life is, and we don't want to waste time with people and pursuits that aren't worth our while.
- One of my favorite things about this age is that I choose what I'm gonna do. I've done my part to work for organizations, be told to report for duty at such and such a time, do an assigned task like scoop potatoes at a banquet. This is so liberating for me. I now choose what I'm gonna do with my time....no one else has that power over me anymore. Better than that, I embrace not a scintilla of guilt.
- My well-seasoned self carefully sifts out the negative aspects of life. When the news comes on the TV, I pull an iron curtain over my brain. It's beyond my understanding how people can be entertained by fake, biased news. I boldly state the fact that I don't want to watch or read any media that's filled with hatred.
- My well-seasoned self also values quiet time. Time to be creative. Time to respect the world as it is.
- We've been taught to view life as a continual decline. Wouldn't it be smarter if we looked at life more as a staircase? Life being an upward ascension of the human spirit, bringing wisdom and wholeness. Only at the top are we able to reach our true authentic self.
