I’ve been seeing lots of articles in my social media feeds lately about women who lament the ageing process. They talk about the many, many things they absolutely hate about it and why it’s so awful. Not me. There are plenty of things I like about getting older. It’s gonna happen anyway, if you are lucky, so you may as well have a decent attitude about it. Because everyone knows that bitter old lady in the house down the street that no one wants to spend much time with. You don’t want to be the neighborhood Mrs Kravitz.
♥ I like that I have the opportunity to get older. Lots of folks don’t. Plain and simple.
♥ I I like birthdays, always have. May I have another please?
♥ I kicked breast cancer in the booty, I can do hard things.
♥ My family, the people who love me, just keeps getting bigger.
♥ My kids are grown – no more soccer practice, band practice, wrestling, football etc. No more birthday parties with screaming kids and no more buying gifts for kids I might not even know.
♥ I can pee in peace.
♥ I can eat what I want when and where I want and only have to tell my dogs “no” and I’m left alone.
♥ Midlife crisis – an opportunity to jettison everything that isn’t working and only keep what you really, truly love.
♥ I honestly don’t care what other people think about what I do, say or how I look. Don’t like it? Don’t look.
♥ Dressing for comfort – see above.
♥ Major life hurdles (who to marry, how many kids, college or no, career or no?) all behind me.
♥ I can go to be whenever I want. No one expects me to say out until 2 am any more.
♥ I can get up whenever I want. No toddlers crawling in bed with me at 6 am with a reeking diaper.
♥ Fewer emotional extremes. I’m feeling more thoughtful these days.
♥ No more sweating the small stuff. I’ve been through big stuff and this usual day-to-day stuff is not big at all.
♥ I like me and I love my life. I’ve spent a lot of time working on myself and I’m at a place where I like me.
♥ I feel no need to keep up with the Joneses. I have a small house that is kind of old and needs some work but I love it. You can have your McMansion.
♥ I’m waaaay less judge-y than I was when I was younger. You do you and I’ll stand by and cheer you on.
♥ I the “WANT MONSTER” is dying off. I have begin to realize that sometimes less is more. I simply don’t need to surround myselfwith a whole lot of material things.
♥ I can count my four kids among my BEST FRIENDS.
♥ I get to be silly and spontaneous and no one expects any different.
I think that life will just get better as I get older!
Age has brought more of a positive attitude and tremendous gratitude along with the knowledge that with every passing year I am so darn lucky to get to live the life I live.
Being grateful has become a daily ritual that enhances my life in so many positive ways.
So what do YOU like about getting older? Please share in the comment section below.
Hi Vicki
Gosh how I wish we could all get together we would have a blast from the past, you all or still children LoL I am the one that has the joy of all. Looking at you all you look so young & pretty, Vicki I would love to have the color of your hair it is so pretty, mine is turning grey a little but its going to be ugly I am sure.
My husband retired a year & half ago & we have just had so much fun setting here & talking about the days past & get a laugh for sure, We are not seeing the Golden Years but we are having a blast just being together, our home is no fancy place but we love it & would not trade. the Golden years has to be for someone else we have not seen them but have had more laugh’s tears & it has been such a joy, I have had others say they don’t know how we stayed cooped up, We love home, friends, our children & all our little rug rats .LOL They are a joy to us, I am not like you Vicki going through cancer but my daughter was 34 & she had cancer of the Colon, survived it & is doing good now she has had a tough road she had a piattituary tumor in her 30’s was an awful surgery,but is doing better. I had a heart attack at 43 it was more depressing after the surgery, my hubby had a stroke last year hit in his left eye having a fight getting it back, But you know we all seem to be so thankful to still be here & enjoy each & everyday we have to cherish & have our laugh’s my hubby is the cook & everything in our home, I had 3 back surgerys & several others so can not walk well with out falling if not on my walker & he is a great cook he has just started making homeade hot rolls they are si good & he is a great cook.We do get our laugh’s but he is great I think.
Vicki your hair is beautiful & I can just tell what a good time we would have, maybe dangerous,, or our younger years but you are sill a young chick, I will turn 73 May 30th, so I am the oldest in your group I figure, but maybe I can be of help & getting you all over the hurtell if not I will help you all jump it….LOL well i am so sorry I talked so long just a little lonesome tonight I guess, I promise not to do this next time, I am so sorry.
Hope you each have a great day! Hugs Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
I’m so glad you stopped by to chat.
Thank you, I hated it that my hair was so grey when I was younger but I like it now because it’s unique.
It sounds like you and your husband have a wonderful, happy marriage. I’m glad for you.
Stop by any time, hon. I’m glad you are here.
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY if I don’t see you before then.
Bright Blessings,
Vicki
Hello Vicki, so lovely to find your blog via Living with Batman! I turned 50 at the end of last year, and it’s not been as scary as I thought! To all of you who have had, or are still living with cancer, big hugs and positive vibes coming from me. You are all so positive about things. I lost a family member to cancer (my beloved and beautiful Dad), and several friends have recently battled with it. Such a life changing thing. I’m happy that I no longer have to be out and about late, I can do what I want, I’ve cleared away all the people who are toxic in my life, I’m heaps better at not worrying what others think about me, and I’m also getting better at being assertive! Trends no longer worry me…. clothing, decor, books… anything! I’m happy to go my own way (finally) without thinking about whether people will like me or not. I’ve also found a lot more peace and contentment with my day to day life, and love using gratitude and mindfulness techniques to keep me grounded. Life is simple, and I really like it that way!! Linda. 🙂
Hi Linda,
Really? Where is it that I’m mentioned? I’m curious.
Am I being used as a cautionary tale again? haha!
Yes, yes and YES to all you said. Life is just so much simpler when you aren’t worrying about everyone else.
XOXO Vicki
Haha! No, no cautionary tales (sounds interesting!) You made a comment on the post about ‘where are all the mid-life bloggers?’ I was reading, and I popped over to visit! I was nodding along with everyone because I’ve been struggling to find people to connect with who aren’t in the youngish mommy blogger group, and there you all were…. a lovely lot of over 50s like me!! xoxx 🙂
Haha! Well, you never quite know when it comes to me. 😉
I visited your blog real quick last night. I want to go back later when I take lunch to see more.
Going back to Living with Batman too. Lots of great ladies to get to know.
xoxo V
Yes, I’ll be popping into Living With Batman a bit I think! I joined Elena’s FB group too! Thanks for visiting!! 🙂 I’ll be popping back here as well! xox
Well, I think I’ve come in after all has been very well said on the subject of enjoying getting older – so I don’t have much to add!
I’m 65, happily married with 3 grown children, 5 grandkids (our 6th on the way in May). Living to be this age has brought many friends and family to love and care about so much, which also brings many to love and “worry” about. (I know we’re not supposed to worry right? Sorry I can’t help it!) Still, I wouldn’t trade any of them for less worry. Soooo that means I find joy and happiness in everyday things to balance out the worry – that’s my story and I’m trying to stick to it!
After reading what you ladies have shared, I do think I would enjoy knowing all of you. Thanks for adding a bright spot to the end of my day!
I have to say it, “There are 3 Pams and a Pamela in this one posting -Wow!
I still have kids at home, but I am counting the days until I am paroled! Believe or not, I am mom to seven of my own and stepmother to one. Thankfully, the youngest is in middle school and I am starting to see my life move in different directions.
The last couple of years had been terribly difficult following the wrongful termination from my longterm employment. It sent me into a deep depression that lasted months and affected all my relationships. It nearly ended my marriage. I finally took control of it all and feel like I am in a much better place. Now I am having to deal with old injuries in my wrist but I try not to let that dampen my spirits.
I’m a proud grandma to five and I love spending time with my granddaughter, Lexi, who lives near me. And I spend as much time with my kids that are nearby as well. They are such a blessing and bring me such joy!
Now I am loving this time of my life more and more. I am enjoying the freedom of having a craft room of my own for the first time in my life. I am grateful to have husband that understands that some days I just need to have a down day. I am learning that I don’t have to have my parents approval. I love that I can sleep in if I want to. I love wearing clothes that are comfortable! I love that I can feel any emotion I want (I grew up an Army Brat so crying wasn’t allowed). I love that friends aren’t bound by who lives in the in the same town.
Hi Amanda,
One thing about it, once you get to midlife you can honestly say you’ve been through some stuff. I’m glad to see you are moving through the hard times with a positive attitude. It makes all of the difference in the world, doesn’t it?
It’s great having family nearby. When I get an itch to move (which happens fairly often) I remember that most of my kids are here and I stay put.
I’m glad your husband is so supportive and that you’ve learned to ask for what you need.
Getting older certainly has its perks!
XOXO Vicki
I love the person I am now that I’m older. I’m more content. I don’t care who likes me and who doesn’t. I can do whatever I want when I want. I have nothing to prove to anyone. I have changed my style of clothes. I love color and patterns. Used to wear mainly solids. I love wearing capris. When I was younger I would never wear them because I hated my legs. I have the most wonderful little grandson. He’s our only grandchild and the best part of our lives. Fun, fun, fun! I rid myself of toxic friends and family. Have never been happier about that decision. I’m more laid back and relaxed. I look forward to getting older and my birthdays. I’m in the middle of treatment for non Hodgkins lymphoma but I’m the happiest I have ever been. I love life! It’s great to be alive and a senior. I’m 65!
I’m with you all of the way, Pam. I’ve done most of the same things. Except I still hate my legs. 😉
I was just talking to a friend over coffee and we were saying that the only trouble with aging was the diseases but then we started pointing out younger people we know with health problems. Health issues can happen at any time. We’ve just got to do our best.
Hang in there!
xoxo V
I agree.with you. I had uterine cancer and it had spread to my lungs and that is considered a manageable cancer. I feel that everyday I put my feet on the floor and get up is a great day. After cancer everything is small stuff and there is very little I can’t cope with. I can do anything I want. Currently my after cancer white hair is rainbow colored, love it, so much fun.
Oh, Priscilla. I’m sorry for your health troubles but so glad you have a positive attitude about it.
I put a little blue and purple in my hair to celebrate the big 5-OH. So much fun!
Bright Blessings,
Vicki
I LOOOOOOOOVE getting older. No more tinting my hair, minimal makeup, and no more pantyhose or heels for that office job. It’s jeans, cotton or flannel shirts and sneakers for me. Or boots for those muddy days. I sleep 8 hours and drink my 4 cups of coffee LEISURELY! I play Farmville, THEN do the housework, yard work, craft project, etc. I have two grown daughters and now a granddaughter, to watch grow and experience life on their own terms. I’m so proud of them I cry from the overwhelming satisfaction of a job well done.
Sadly I don’t get to pee alone – I’m into rescues so I have 4 dogs or 4 cats who accompany me at any given time. Thankfully the 2 birds don’t join the caravan to the bathroom. I too live in a smaller home but own an SUV for hauling that big stuff for my numerous outdoor projects – new porches are on the agenda this year. And I have survived many a crisis, so anything that comes my way is banged out to left field with honed practice.
I also smile more more… laugh more too.
ROCK ON! Getting older just gets better and better with each passing year.
Oh YES Pamela!
I stopped coloring my hair 4 or 5 years ago and haven’t looked back. Oh the freedom! 🙂
Flannel shirts are fantastic! Who knew?
I am glad I’m not the only one who gets weepy about a job well done. I get so emotional when someone tells me how great one of my kids is.
Good for you on the rescues!
Man, I love you. We are kindred spirits!
xoxo V
That peeing in peace thing just can not be under-rated!!! As I grow older, I find that the need to keep up with decorating trends doesn’t interest me anymore. I used to be up for anything, but now I just remember when the trend came around the first time (ie shiplap wood on the wall = 1970’s paneling) and look the other way.
Right Pam? You never know what a luxury that is until you have little people banging at the door. Every. Single. Time.
And then, peace again.
Oh yeah, the trends. Now I just look at everyone trying to keep up with them and wish them luck. Haha!