Aging My Way
When things got tough in my younger years, I did what most of us do. I struggled on. Then, during one of the rougher patches, I came to an amazing discovery. Despite all the chaos that was happening around and to me, there was still a deep happiness inside me that had nothing to do with my present world.
Ever since that day, I’ve felt blessed. And as I thought about it this morning, I realized that if I ever needed that flaming spark of inner light to keep going, it is now.
While all the drama and craziness that’s been in my past life has faded away, I’ve found myself in a new kind of shit. Sorry if that word offends, but I can’t think of a better description to sum up what’s happening to my body after 84 years of living in it.
Bum knee, bum shoulder, thinning skin, thinning hair, sagging boobs, actually sagging everything. Yet, I still greet each morning with zest, and with thankfulness that I’ve made it this far in life, and also for the benefits of aging.
No longer are little things a matter of life or death, I have more time to read and learn, and stillness in my life for reflection. I finally realize my worth and that I am loved, two things that escaped my desperate search for them when I was younger.
But best of all, I’m learning to live in the moment. I enjoy each bird that visits my yard, each hug from friends and loved ones, each cuddle with my dog Scamp, and every sunrise, which is visible from my warm, cozy bed on a cold Tucson morning like today.
I’m just thankful to still be alive. This I know.
Pat Bean is a retired award-winning journalist who lives in Tucson with her canine companion, Scamp. She is an avid reader, an enthusiastic birder, the author of Travels with Maggie available on Amazon (Free on Kindle Unlimited), is always searching for life’s silver lining, and these days aging her way – and that’s usually not gracefully.
Pat Bean's blog 
That’s a great way to live – old age or not: “live in the moment”, or “carpe diem”, as the Romans said.
It is a good to be mindful of this every day, so thanks for reminding me today.
Thanks so much for sharing and so appreciate the reminders too 🙂 I am learning to let go more in 2024, be present and just savor those moments, your panic/urgency is not mine to take on and I can be in control of my actions/reactions, find that balance, etc. Life is a precious gift to be opened slowly every day to just soak it in! Take Care
So nice to meet you today Pat on the call. 🙂 Our retirement home has bird feeders and houses front and back. We look out over the beautiful Lake Norman enjoying even more birds, even seagulls that winter here on the lake. And of course, our Miss Tegger, a 1 1/2-year-old Dash hound/Maltese mix of nothing but bouncy trouble and love. I look forward to reading more of your work as I continue to work on my 4th Roots Tied Down Ancestry book.
See you next call! 🙂
Jennifer Beauchamp in North Carolina