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Reflections August 2013

Golden Ponderings

Aging's Poster Child

By CJ Golden

Sure I forget things (I was able to hide my own Easter eggs this Easter), sure I get confused from time to time (that often makes for lots of good laughs), but the gift of still having an active mind that functions as well as it does is one that I will never take for granted.

Several weeks ago I had been invited to speak to a group of college juniors and seniors about the process of aging. Appropriately enough the class is titled "Aging" and these young adults had been given some very fine information to prepare them to enter the field of geriatric care. And, I might add, to go through the process themselves.

When I asked what they had been told about getting older and what they might expect when they approach the "golden years" of 60 and above, they responded by talking about becoming forgetful, finding their bodies begin to lose strength and flexibility, general confusion taking over their minds and life. All possibly true scenarios but all rather negative, don't you think!? Where were the positives that come with the years? Where was the part about growing wiser, more secure in ourselves, and being fortunate enough to continue living our lives?

These kids didn't seem to know that any of sort exists.

Nor did I several years ago.

It had taken getting through a difficult birthday many years ago, finding the determination to write my women's book, and bringing a groundbreaking (for me) positive approach to my own aging process to allow me to recognize just how wonderful these years can be.

Do I have aches and pains that these students had been warned about? Sure I do. But I am fortunate that I still have those body parts working -- at least somewhat -- and recognize that while my activities might have to adapt to new physical limitations, I am privileged to still be here, remaining active.

The same can be said for my mental status: sure I forget things (I was able to hide my own Easter eggs this Easter), sure I get confused from time to time (that often makes for lots of good laughs), but the gift of still having an active mind that functions as well as it does is one that I will never take for granted.

The gains in my quality of life are immeasurable – I am finally secure in who this person inhabiting my body is; I can do as I please, be friends with whomever I choose to have as a friend, over the years my self-esteem has increased and, while my physical strength is waning, my emotional strength continues to soar.

It is with this confidence in who I am at this ripe old age of 68 that I had been invited to speak to the class on aging.

And, so, I stood in front of the group of 20 or so students, ranging in age from late teens to the two women who are probably in their 30s, with my red-striped grey hair, energy, enthusiasm and steadfast spirit that I let these young folks know just what aging is.

 

Aging is a gift: No doubt often one that comes with many challenges attached, but a gift nonetheless. And for these "kids" to look to the future with fear and trepidation will only bring them a stinging apprehension that will sap the joy out of their lives and put self-induced pressure on them to accomplish all they can while they are young. They won't recognize that as they age there will be more accomplishments and shining moments; there is no rush to set out a timeline for their lives. Nor is there a need to fear growing older. Doing so only brings unnecessary stress to their days now.

So there I was; CJ Golden, acting as the poster child for aging. And loving every minute as I brought (I hope) a fresh understanding to these kids' thinking, a new outlook on life and, perhaps, a bit more open-mindedness as they live amongst us "old folks." I know that every time I have such an opportunity it reinforces my own gratefulness to the powers that be that have given me this many years and fills me with satisfying anticipation of more time on this earth. So, bring on those wrinkles, for with them come the joy of seeing my children and grandchildren grow, and the ability to continue learning about CJ and what she can accomplish in this lifetime.

 

C.J. Golden, motivational speaker and author of "Tao of the Defiant Woman" and the award-winning "Tao-girls Rule!," travels the country inspiring all with her dynamic spirit and vision. Visit her at www.taogirl.com.

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