Sunday, August 14, 2011

The Big 4-0

That's me, wondering where the years went.
What is it about growing older that bothers some people—namely me? Is it the deteriorating physical appearance or the latest ominous drumbeat on the march toward you-know-what?  Whatever it is, I had to face it recently, as I “celebrated” my 40th birthday. I am fully aware that I am trying to be grateful for the gift of each and every new day, but sometimes that is a struggle. So, as a remedy to the pain of aging, my husband and I gathered loved ones for a party fueled by friendship, food and our favourite drink of the eighties—Black Label beer. We put on a playlist of songs from the past four decades and consumed some of our favourite snacks (hello Ringolos) and candy from the eighties to bring out our inner teenagers. Looking around at the faces of my friends and relatives, I found comfort in the fact that we are all growing old together. I don’t mean this in an “I want you to suffer along with me” kind of way, but rather in the sense that we see each other for the multi-faceted and unique individuals that we are. And, if we can continue to see the beauty in each other, surely we are better able to see it in ourselves.

3 comments:

  1. This is well said, very well said! Surely if we love others as they age, the same goes for us too. (My 40th is this October. Oh joy.)

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  2. I guess a milestone like this is a good reminder to nurture the friendships we have. Have a fantastic birthday celebration, Julie. I can't wait to read how you mark the occasion. We are in this together :)

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  3. We are always hardest on ourselves. I think it is time for all of us to have an inner voice makeover. I'm first in line.

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