As I've become seasoned, I've become kinder to myself, and much less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging + seasoning people.
Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play, on the computer, until 4 AM, or sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself + others to those wonderful tunes of the,60, 70 & 80's, and if one, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, we sure will.
I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from that jet set. They too, will get their seasoning.
I know we may be sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, we eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car?
But, broken hearts are what give us the true strength, and understanding, and most of all, compassion.
A heart never broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is much easier to be positive. You care less about what the other people think.
I don't even question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like just being me. It has set me free. I like the person I have become + will remain me.
I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (just if I feel like it).
MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART,
ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE
HEART!
May all your 'journeys have the spirits of our roundtable with you!!
><../'/_/ KingArthur/_//<>
I hope you enjoy reading lite humor and also some bits of daily and seasonal inspiration...check also some of the archived issues:
http://www.topica.com/lists/kingarthursroundtable/read