One of the challenges I am facing as I grow older is the acceptance that everything has a shelf life, and that shelf life eventually ends.
At some point in our lives - at least for me, younger - I believe that there were things I can do and that things would go on forever. That is not true of course: it all starts somewhere (for me, college), as things began to slip away from what they were. Sometimes things replaced them - until they, too, slipped away.
It grinds harder in the 50's, when the body starts reminding one that the warranty really is gone and they are not making those parts anymore.
There are two ways to deal with this.
The first is to go out raging and kicking. And perhaps there is some argument to say that "fighting" is the right correct response. On the other side, I have seen people physically or mentally damage themselves chasing after a thing that for one reason or another has passed on beyond them.
The other way is to simply accept such changes with humility and grace.
I have heard of a Jewish saying that man is born with his hands clenched and dies with them open, that we truly cannot take anything of this world with us. To accept that at some point, things simply pass is an act of humility.
Corrie ten Boom is quoted as saying she learned to hold things loosely, because God had taught her that if she held the tightly, it would hurt when they were pulled from her hand.
I have a long way to go in this regard.
A thoughtful and contemplative post TB, as to your 50's body hitting the warranty limit I hope you get to experience what a 70s body does..........ask me how I know..........:)
ReplyDeleteNylon12, I am a little more thoughtful of this than usual with the training of my Grand Master going on currently. He has often talked about how his training and his practice of the art has changed over the years as he has aged.
DeleteBeing in my 80's just means to me your still a youngster. But did read an article that the aging factor increases faster once you enter your 50's. I don't really remember that happening as my fifties was some of my happiest years.
ReplyDeleteAnon, I bow humbly. May I have the same attitude then.
DeleteYears ago a cousin about 15 years ahead of me in age let me know that the mid to late 50's was when things really started falling apart. I confess he was right; managing things in a healthy way seems to take a lot more effort.
It's a balance - have to balance trying to change the things that you can for the better, and accepting that the outcome is whatever it is.
ReplyDeleteJohn, it really is. Sometimes I am better at it than others. But most important to do it gracefully.
DeleteI really like the quote. We can't control our circumstances, but we can control our attitude. I frequently remind myself of that.
ReplyDeleteLeigh, that is a lot of it. No matter what happens, our attitude is always set by ourselves.
DeleteTB, at the moment, I'm in fighting mode. It's painful and frustrating to get a diagnosis later in life, you had no clue how to fight earlier. It feels pretty unfair. But I'm not the only one who's experienced it. It's the way life goes, I guess. I do try to keep grateful for all that is good. To be able to have the mindset (and to some degree the strength) to fight the ravages of age and sometimes poor lifestyle is something to be grateful for. I'll leave aging gracefully for another day. ;^)
ReplyDeleteBecki, there are times when that is appropriate - and yours certainly falls into that category.
DeleteAttitude is everything - not just for ourselves but as you point out, for those that are coming behind us and can benefit from our example.