Being older has set me free

There is an email being distributed again (not a new one and I am sure everyone has received it once or twice before). This email spoke to me so I took the liberty and edited it to make it about me.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my life,

my family (including Sierra, Jackson, & Louie)
for less gray hair or a flatter belly.
As I've aged, I’ve become kinder to myself,
and less critical of myself and others.

I like myself and I've become my own
good friend. I don't chide myself any longer
for not making my bed, cleaning the house,
or for buying that silly item that I didn’t need.
I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, and
to be extravagant once in a while.

I experienced too many hardships and losses in my
50 plus years on this planet. I have endured losing
my daughter and I’ve seen too many friends and
family leave this world too soon; before they
understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read, play
on the computer, or sew until 4:00 AM and sleep until
noon? I will dance with myself or my dog to the
wonderful songs of the 60, 70 and 80’s.
I will sing to my dog, even though I can't hold a tune.
If, at the same time, I wish to shed tears because
I miss my daughter, Laura, I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that tries to
cover up my flaws and bulging body and will
dive into the waves with my boogie board
if I choose to.

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

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.
How can your heart not break when you lose
your daughter or son, along with other loved
ones; or when a child or pet suffers. Broken
hearts are what give us strength, 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 roots turning gray, and to have my
laugh lines forever etched into 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 as much like I use to do.
I have even come to terms with being wrong.
After all, no one is perfect. Only God.

I am embracing that I am different from others.
I like the person I have become and I am
always evolving.

I am not going to live forever,
but while I am still here, I will try not to waste
time mourning what could have been, or
worrying about what will be.

Being older has certainly set me free.