Rolling right along with today's letter of the day...
O is for oxymoron
'a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction;
a self-contradicting word or group of words'
Let's talk about aging gracefully. Is that phrase an oxymoron? From the moment we're born we're all growing older, we just seem to remark on it in a more negative way after a certain point on the birthday timeline.
So what does it mean to age gracefully? There are of course the obvious things we all know to do like eat right, drink lots of water, exercise, and get enough sleep, but what about the less obvious, but equally important habits we need to cultivate if we want to live a grace-ful life?
There are traits I associate with the term, and also with women I know who I think are aging gracefully, that I want reflected in my own life as I lean into this third act. Here's some of what I've observed and also what I aspire to...
have a positive outlook
laugh a lot
forgive easily
stay curious about the world around me
be gentle in speech and action
live with an open heart and open hand
stay grounded
be humble
self-aware
accepting of change
grateful
Easier said than done some days, but I'm still a work in progress.
I read somewhere the opposite of aging gracefully would be aging poorly or prematurely, which I don't think anyone aspires to yet many end up doing just that. I like having this list written down. It's a visual reminder every day is a gift and I get to choose how I live it.
'Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.' Psalm 90:12
Oh, I LOVE this: every day is a gift and I get to choose how I live it.
ReplyDeleteJust last night I was having a conversation with my husband and I said, "I just want to live a life without anger" and I really mean it. As we drove through a neighborhood last weekend I said, "Jim spent the last 10 years of his life being angry about this neighborhood" (long story but true). I think that it what prompted me to declare that out loud last night. I really, really like your list - I do think all of those things are important in living the best QUALITY of life.
I'm in my mid 40's and I am trying to age gracefully but sometimes the youngster in me takes over like having bright red hair or laughing at childish things.
ReplyDeleteI like that list a lot! The sad reality is that we do start to fall apart as we get older. Mostly it's physical but certainly mentally, too. I think it's natural to not look forward to the physical manifestations of aging; while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that's true, there are some universally held ideas of beauty. (Smooth skin looks better than saggy, wrinkled skin, etc.) We all know that what *really* counts is inside and what our character is. Cultivating character, being giving of ourselves, loving and caring for people- this is what we should strive for.
ReplyDeleteInspiring list and yes I want to age gracefully, always keeping in mind that God is working out my sanctification till the day He calls me home.
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't mind... I took a screenshot of your list to act as a reminder to myself! You really captured the essence of how I hope I approach life and what it brings! Thank you, Joyce!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your list. "Stay curious about the world around me" - this is one that I have overlooked for too long and am really trying to do better at. That an accepting change....which is definitely one step forward and then two back, for me!! Have a beautiful Easter weekend!!
ReplyDeleteA good list and one to read and ponder often!! It is going on my 'fridge!!
ReplyDeleteI am also a work in progress on these characteristics. I like to think I am improving a little on always speaking my mind and approaching things with an open heart. I think I was pretty opinionated in my 30's and 40's! Thanks for another great post!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great list!
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