Entering The Youth of My Old Age
Happy birthday to me27 total reviews
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
I'm not yet a senior, but my advice is to live each day to the fullest, forgive past mistakes and don't worry too much about the future. A well written piece regarding your feelings on aging. I have always felt older than I am. Take care, my friend~Dwbbie
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2015
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I'm not yet a senior, but my advice is to live each day to the fullest, forgive past mistakes and don't worry too much about the future. A well written piece regarding your feelings on aging. I have always felt older than I am. Take care, my friend~Dwbbie
Comment Written 20-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2015
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Thanks for the pep talk. Some days I really need a kick to the lower extremities.
Comment from jlsavell
Ingrid, I read this when first posted and could not get to review it because of time. You have some really gem lines here as you describe yourself. I felt I was standing right in your shoes and you were saying what I wanted to voice.
The tone immediately turned pensive and thought-provoking. Choices, or poor choices in life in which we can never undo, but it does not mean we cannot ensue being the healer of our inflicted injuries. My Grandmother always said, "A man never reaps what he sows in the same season." How true this is, how true. I just never knew how to heed or assimilate this advice until I had matured emotionally. It was then I realized it was the recovery which was part of a new season of sowing.
The closing resonates with me greatly. At times, I become filled with doubt and pity. I employ a destructive self talk which says I am too old to embark on anything. I have a constant battle, for inside, mentally, emotionally and physically I feel more in step than I ever have, but outwardly, I see the march of time and it is hard to accept with grace.
Anyhoo, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN EVERYWAY!
Jimi
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2015
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Ingrid, I read this when first posted and could not get to review it because of time. You have some really gem lines here as you describe yourself. I felt I was standing right in your shoes and you were saying what I wanted to voice.
The tone immediately turned pensive and thought-provoking. Choices, or poor choices in life in which we can never undo, but it does not mean we cannot ensue being the healer of our inflicted injuries. My Grandmother always said, "A man never reaps what he sows in the same season." How true this is, how true. I just never knew how to heed or assimilate this advice until I had matured emotionally. It was then I realized it was the recovery which was part of a new season of sowing.
The closing resonates with me greatly. At times, I become filled with doubt and pity. I employ a destructive self talk which says I am too old to embark on anything. I have a constant battle, for inside, mentally, emotionally and physically I feel more in step than I ever have, but outwardly, I see the march of time and it is hard to accept with grace.
Anyhoo, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN EVERYWAY!
Jimi
Comment Written 20-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2015
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Well, at least you battle the inner voices, sometimes I just agree, lie down spread-eagle, naked on the bed an amuse myself by letting things rip. I really do sometimes that my self mental mutilation may exit with my flatulence. See...there are some sickos up here above the 45th parallel!
Thanks for the stars and encouragement. Today I feel ninety. tomorrow, who knows?
Comment from maggieadams
Happy birthday, Ingrid, I love how you phrased it...entering the youth of my old age...in December, I will be there, too...amazing how fast it went...you have inspired me to write about entering this phase...you have posed so many ideas...I love your hair...bangs...wow. I really don't have any advice, other than live in the present which is very hard to do. Maggie.
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2015
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Happy birthday, Ingrid, I love how you phrased it...entering the youth of my old age...in December, I will be there, too...amazing how fast it went...you have inspired me to write about entering this phase...you have posed so many ideas...I love your hair...bangs...wow. I really don't have any advice, other than live in the present which is very hard to do. Maggie.
Comment Written 19-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2015
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Try googling Getting Old= Mary Maxwell Someone sent me the video and there are some very funny lines about aging that I'm sure could inspire your essay. Thanks for the wishes.
Comment from GWHARGIS
Happy birthday! My dear you look gorgeous. I love to read you life mentoring essays. I do have a suggestion: put these in book form. Several have shown me a different view of life and how to handle things. Plus, they are wtitten in such a way that they are entertaining as hell. Enough said. This was another sharp and fun write. Gretchen
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2015
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Happy birthday! My dear you look gorgeous. I love to read you life mentoring essays. I do have a suggestion: put these in book form. Several have shown me a different view of life and how to handle things. Plus, they are wtitten in such a way that they are entertaining as hell. Enough said. This was another sharp and fun write. Gretchen
Comment Written 19-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2015
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|Someone sent me this cool video. Tried to coy/paste, but doesn't look right. Try google and see, it's very funny/ Thanks for the stars and the kindness. Today I'm feeling 90, but tomorrow is another day.
Getting Old = Mary Maxwell
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
Let me say this: 1) My co-worker lost her brother last year right after his 30th birthday. Someone was talking to her about being "old" and she told them to be thankful because some people don't make it to their 31st birthday. She had a point.
2) Go get your senior pictures done again. When I was in high school everyone told me to enjoy getting my senior pictures done and I looked at them all stupid like and told them that when I become a senior citizen I will get them done again. After all I'm the official senior citizen then.
3) You get all the deals. I'm so jealous! You get discounts galore!
4) If you have enough saved up you can retire. You might be done working and can enjoy your life doing what you want to do without having to worry about work, How nice!
5) It's all about how you look at it. And happy belated birthday
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2015
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Let me say this: 1) My co-worker lost her brother last year right after his 30th birthday. Someone was talking to her about being "old" and she told them to be thankful because some people don't make it to their 31st birthday. She had a point.
2) Go get your senior pictures done again. When I was in high school everyone told me to enjoy getting my senior pictures done and I looked at them all stupid like and told them that when I become a senior citizen I will get them done again. After all I'm the official senior citizen then.
3) You get all the deals. I'm so jealous! You get discounts galore!
4) If you have enough saved up you can retire. You might be done working and can enjoy your life doing what you want to do without having to worry about work, How nice!
5) It's all about how you look at it. And happy belated birthday
Comment Written 19-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2015
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Great points. #3 we can't afford to shop and there's nothing we want. I appreciate the words as I slide into third base.
Comment from Cumbrianlass
I won't give you any advice. I suspect you could likely give me some, though! Great essay, and yes, sharing your birthday with you (even if for only part of the day) was outstanding.
You looked like a million.
You totally rock.
Love Av
xxx
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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I won't give you any advice. I suspect you could likely give me some, though! Great essay, and yes, sharing your birthday with you (even if for only part of the day) was outstanding.
You looked like a million.
You totally rock.
Love Av
xxx
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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You are so good for me--even the flattery has a positive effect today. Just had lunch with the women's committee from a Baptist church. No they're not trying to convert me. My neighbour invited me for her birthday lunch. All outstanding women, but I have to say, all the prayers and Jesus talk made me feel odd. More stars. Wow!
Comment from livelylinda
Spiritual Echo: my writing friend, you are beautiful! And, you have adorable grandchildren.
In August, I will be 67 years of age and I am well entrenched in the "senior citizen" aspect of my lifetime. You see, when I hit middle age (the 40's), I found ways to rid myself of any lifetime regrets so I do not carry that burden. My bad health began at age 48 so I have already learned how to deal with my fading health. I find myself often tearful, especially looking back at my life. 1950's and 1960's music makes me cry, apparently because it is from my youth which I cannot do over. I cry at everything; beautiful music or words make me sob. I have a three year old great-grandson, Bentley. When I look at his pictures from birth, I cry. There is so much crying involved with this age . . . I don't know why. My ability to be empathetic and feel others pain is sometimes overwhelming. My need to write is crucial every day and I spend half my day doing this, every day. I simply suggest that you take every day for what it offers you. Also, make a 'bucket list' and do what you haven't yet.
Your writing is very good. You have a good grasp on proper English/punctuation/spelling, etc. and it flows from paragraph to paragraph without any glitches.
Good writing and happy birthday, young lady!
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Spiritual Echo: my writing friend, you are beautiful! And, you have adorable grandchildren.
In August, I will be 67 years of age and I am well entrenched in the "senior citizen" aspect of my lifetime. You see, when I hit middle age (the 40's), I found ways to rid myself of any lifetime regrets so I do not carry that burden. My bad health began at age 48 so I have already learned how to deal with my fading health. I find myself often tearful, especially looking back at my life. 1950's and 1960's music makes me cry, apparently because it is from my youth which I cannot do over. I cry at everything; beautiful music or words make me sob. I have a three year old great-grandson, Bentley. When I look at his pictures from birth, I cry. There is so much crying involved with this age . . . I don't know why. My ability to be empathetic and feel others pain is sometimes overwhelming. My need to write is crucial every day and I spend half my day doing this, every day. I simply suggest that you take every day for what it offers you. Also, make a 'bucket list' and do what you haven't yet.
Your writing is very good. You have a good grasp on proper English/punctuation/spelling, etc. and it flows from paragraph to paragraph without any glitches.
Good writing and happy birthday, young lady!
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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I so love to talk to 'older' women as in general, I am the oldest person I know. LOL. Tears can also be therapeutic, and for me, they choke me, but will not flow. If I could, and it would be at the top of my bucket list, I'd love to lie spread eagle--naked--on my bed, fart and cry to my hearts--not content-but need. Maybe 50% counts. I do rip a mean fart! Thanks.
Comment from Deejharrington
First off, all I see in your picture is a wonderful smile on a proud grandmother with two terrific kids. A blessing! I won't tell you age is only a number, state of mind or any of that happy horse pucky. To watch your body say, wrinkle,and give up the gravity fight is not for the weak. I know my body image has taken a hit the last sixty years. But I'm OK with it, mostly, kinda, some days.
I have to agree with you the decisions made in my past do haunt me. How could they not? We are human which means we are allowed to make crappy choices. No one is perfect. That comes from my therapist. She's right, of course, darn her. But I still struggle with letting go. The trouble, one of many, with living long enough , is having hindsight. Not much consolation for seeing where you screwed up, but you did the best you could with the knowledge you had at the time. That's all anyone can be expected to do. Cut â?? your self a break and know everyone loves you anyway â?¤ Happy birthday ð??? and may you have many more.
Deb
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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First off, all I see in your picture is a wonderful smile on a proud grandmother with two terrific kids. A blessing! I won't tell you age is only a number, state of mind or any of that happy horse pucky. To watch your body say, wrinkle,and give up the gravity fight is not for the weak. I know my body image has taken a hit the last sixty years. But I'm OK with it, mostly, kinda, some days.
I have to agree with you the decisions made in my past do haunt me. How could they not? We are human which means we are allowed to make crappy choices. No one is perfect. That comes from my therapist. She's right, of course, darn her. But I still struggle with letting go. The trouble, one of many, with living long enough , is having hindsight. Not much consolation for seeing where you screwed up, but you did the best you could with the knowledge you had at the time. That's all anyone can be expected to do. Cut â?? your self a break and know everyone loves you anyway â?¤ Happy birthday ð??? and may you have many more.
Deb
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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The best part of writing non-fiction comes from reviewers who share their own reaction to what I write. Thank you very much for the stars and the very kind words.
Comment from Jean Lutz
OMG. You look so young. I just turned 75 on April Fools Day. Wish I could find a hair dresser like yours. As for the behavior pattern, I have decided I was too busy with child rearing to be a hippy in the sixties or to have a middle age crisis in the nineties so I am just going to catch up with all that I missed now.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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OMG. You look so young. I just turned 75 on April Fools Day. Wish I could find a hair dresser like yours. As for the behavior pattern, I have decided I was too busy with child rearing to be a hippy in the sixties or to have a middle age crisis in the nineties so I am just going to catch up with all that I missed now.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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See all the blonde streak> That's hiding the grey hair, but it works for me better than staring at 'au naturelle.' I like your attitude. So what you
e telling me is that you intend to re-visit the era of free love? LOL/ Thanks so much.
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Love is one thing that should not have a price. Alas, it usually does.
Comment from mfowler
Alas, Ingrid, I can't offer sage advice, just best wishes for your birthday and empathy with your plight. I turn 65 in January and I'm not leaping into official old age with any more enthusiasm than you seem to have mustered. Your reflection on the past is natural and necessary, I think. The musing about the future is even more natural while celebrating your birthday in style like this, is just good sense. You won't turn 65 again. I had five stents added to my heart at 64 and I retire at Christmas. The prospect of ageing looms large with wonder. I will read your reviews to see if the elders of FS can give you the balm of ageing. It will be interesting, I think. Thanks for another interesting exploration of change, written with honesty and vulnerability.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Alas, Ingrid, I can't offer sage advice, just best wishes for your birthday and empathy with your plight. I turn 65 in January and I'm not leaping into official old age with any more enthusiasm than you seem to have mustered. Your reflection on the past is natural and necessary, I think. The musing about the future is even more natural while celebrating your birthday in style like this, is just good sense. You won't turn 65 again. I had five stents added to my heart at 64 and I retire at Christmas. The prospect of ageing looms large with wonder. I will read your reviews to see if the elders of FS can give you the balm of ageing. It will be interesting, I think. Thanks for another interesting exploration of change, written with honesty and vulnerability.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Perhaps I can offer you some thoughts to ponder. In your case, not only will you hot the magic number, but your entire routine will radically change upon retirement. Try to mentally prepare for it and think about the kind of structure and interests you need day in and day out. Being a rebel at heart, I thought my free-spirited ways would make everything great, but I can sit and write for ten or more hours a day and that's not healthy. Do some prep work. If you have the option of signing up as a supply teacher, you'll likely find the occasional return to the classroom without long-term responsibility a lot of fun--and lucrative. Just prepare. The time is what you make it and I haven't figured out how to have a balanced life. Thanks for the visit.