Glimmer #32 Happy to Leave Some Stuff Behind

I know that getting older is not a picnic. Heaven knows I complain about it enough. I hate having to let go of so many former pleasures. Hiking in the White Mountains, dancing at music festivals, spending a few days on our friends’ boat. Understanding people when they talk in a crowded room. Being able to plant 250 spring bulbs on a sunny October day.

I am sad that I won’t have many too more dogs. Mine are now 7 and 8. If they live into their young teens, I will be in my 70’s when they die. Will Paul and I really take on another dog at that point?

I often wish I was younger. I wish my hair was still thick and wrinkles did not encircle my eyes. I wish I could still see my waistline and “the girls” were able to stand up on their own without a support bra.

Mostly, of course, I wish I was still a young and optimistic mother with three beautiful little ones around me. I wish my parents were still here. I do.

But in the past few days, I have begun to realize that there are definite benefits to aging.

In the first place, I no longer have to feel like a failure when I realize that I won’t be writing the next great American novel. I won’t have to push myself to become famous. I can let go of the pressure to fit into a size 8. Or 10. Or 12. I am who I am, and that’s enough.