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[Queen of Poop]

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore..
I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever,
but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

[caseysmom]

Right on Queen of poop!

[Catty1]

Gayle - THANK YOU! I get you completely. But...my clothes are uncomfy and my doc said to lose a few lbs too.

Many years ago, when I thought I would be gorgeous if I lost weight (mostly thru walking a lot) it turned out I have a flat butt! So I'm under no illusions here.

If it was "a" cookie or a couple of potato chips, I'd give myself a break. But I am a compulsive eater - junk food junkie. It's the whole large bag of kettle chips, not just a couple!

Being older or old is good. I just want to be a bit healthier...my knees are starting to hurt already and now my ankles are getting weirdly sore on occasion. Gotta be nice to the parts that keep me vertical!

[caseysmom]

Right there with you Catty, I am excercizing and getting in better shape for my health too.