Everybody’s got a Story. Tell us yours!
Question #12: August 20, 2013
Tell us… What’s been the biggest surprise of aging?
Lee’s Story:
There are several things that surprise me about aging. The biggest thing is that I don’t feel much older than I did at 25 or 30. I remember my Nana saying that in her 70′s, but I wasn’t sure if she was telling me the truth or pulling my leg. My insight and wisdom has come a long way since then, though, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.
The other thing is that in watching my parents age, they went from getting older to elderly almost over night. In a recent trip to Michigan for family events, it’s hard to see my mom struggling to get around since she will always be pictured in my head as tall, lithe, and graceful. Although our minds might be sharp, it’s not only our feets that fail us in our older years, but everything else, too.
. And not adding the “half” onto your age like you did when you were 10. And realizing that the older we get, the quicker time moves. And waxing nostalgic….yeah, there’s a lot of that since there are so many who are no longer with us.
I’ve told you my surprises…..What are YOURS?
Barbara’s Story:
I think the biggest surprise about aging is that I am! Frankly, I just didn’t see beyond the 70′s. The 1970′s.
When I was young, I tried to envision what I (and what life) would be like when I was old. I thought I’d be quirky…wear hats, but not red ones that don’t really go and enjoy writing and gardening.
I wasn’t prepared for the declining energy….both physically & emotionally. I didn’t see the aches and pains coming that set in every day…and I certainly didn’t think I’d be making those noises when I get up off the couch.
I am surprised at the gray areas now…no, not my hair – about the way I think. I was pretty black & white before…there was the right way and the wrong way…my way or ….well you know. Now, I see a lot of in gray area in between those areas of black and white.
I didn’t think I’d ever be comfortable in my own skin…but even though there’s a little more skin than when I was younger…and the skin seems to be shifting…I’m okay with it. God I wasted a lot of thin years thinking I was fat!
Tell someone you know about this:
Tags: everybody's got a story, middlesage, surprise about aging, tell us
The biggest (and best) surprise about getting older is how much more comfortable I am with myself than when I was in my 20s an 30s. I don’t give a darn what people think of me anymore!
Sharon Greenthal recently posted…Summer Songs
A big AMEN to that Sharon! I call my 50s the F^*k you decade! Finally.
Sharon – a big high five on that!
The biggest surprise about aging is that it happens! How did I get here? That’s what I want to know!
Carol Cassara recently posted…If you’ve got a yummy summer recipe…
Carol – how did I get here….no kidding. I don’t feel a lot older….well, I guess that depends upon what part you feel, though! ; )
The biggest surprise for me is how GOOD FREEDOM FEELS!
When I retired from full time work in public education, I compared the freedom that I felt to being much like the freedom I experienced as a four year old. The main difference is that now with this new found freedom…I have some money and the keys to a car!
One day, I was getting dressed….I did my usual quick glance in the full length mirror and suddenly became frozen in place – I almost fell over. What is this???? I struggled to focus. Surely my eyes were having some kind of middle age freak out. For sure they were playing tricks on me! It wasn’t possible!
I tried to re-focus myself:
No new wrinkles today on my face – check
Hair brushed – check
Fun skirt – check
As my eyes continued down, they stared at me like angry witches. My two wrinkled knees. WTF!!!! No check; PANIC!
Just when I thought I was prepared for all that perimenopause and menopause brings, I realized that “The Change” really can bring you to your knees!
Ellen – I hear ya on that….just noticed my knees smiling back at me a few months ago! Good lord!
So funny!
[…] Middle Sage asks women “What’s the biggest surprise about aging?” […]