Today is my birthday, a milestone one I might add. If you read my blog, you know that I’ve been writing and thinking lately about how to live the third act of life, commonly known as retirement. As I enter this third act, my mantra moving forward comes from a fabulous book by Ashton Applewhite, This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto for Aging.
There are even more ways of getting from 60 to 90 as there are of getting from 30 to 60.
Often, aging is thought of as a time of diminishing abilities and possibilities. Yet, it doesn’t have to be that way. Yes, our bodies and minds are aging and the likelihood of physical and mental ailments increases, but we and society also add unfounded limitations. This is not about acting young or even aging well. It’s about realizing that aging has its benefits too, no matter what life throws at us, and that we’re capable of so much more than we can imagine.
I don’t want to limit myself due to a failure of imagination.
Six years ago, I took a leap and started creating and facilitating online workshops in contemplative living through photography, thanks mainly to Tara Sophia Mohr and her Playing Big program. Since that time, I’ve learned a ton about writing and teaching, my photography has improved and deepened, and I’ve met so many amazing people from around the world, who’ve enriched my life in so many ways.
Moving forward, I’ll continue taking one step at a time, see what each day brings, and respond accordingly. This is, after all, the contemplative way. Here are a few other favourite quotes from the book.
Your life does change as you get older. You get into what’s important and what’s not.
The sooner aging is stripped of reflexive dread, the better equipped we are to benefit from the countless ways in which it can enrich us.
Applewhite’s mission is to shine a light on ageist propaganda that degrades and limits those of a certain age. She says that, no matter what our age, we need to become older people in training. Unlike other prejudices, we’re all going to be old someday – if we’re lucky!
I’m noticing where ageism shows up in me, for example, telling someone they look pretty good for their age or not wearing or doing something because it’s not “age-appropriate.”
If you’re in you’re third act, how has aging enriched you? If you’re not there yet, how are you becoming an older person in training?
** Books mentioned have Amazon affiliate links, meaning I make a few cents if you purchase through my link. I only recommend books that I’ve read.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kim!
What an appropriate article for today and what an example you are to widening your understanding of the meaning of life and very well done to have created online workshops in contemplative living and photography!
I find that getting older shows us what is essential in our lives and what isn’t.
For me, remaining curious about everything and learning new things and keeping a good sense of humour is what makes life always interesting and fun.
One of the poems about ageing that I simply love is: “Warning” by English poet, Jenny Joseph. Perhaps you know it? Here is a link to the author reading it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cACbzanitg
Wishing you a very happy birthday, Kim, and many wonderful years ahead! Your thoughts on aging resonate with me — “you can what’s important and what’s not” is a real benefit of aging. I have a “milestone” birthday coming up and, like you, have been giving it a lot of thought. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
I never knew the origins of this poem. Thank you for sharing, Sandra.
“You are never too old, and it’s never too late.” I love that and I think I shall make it my new mantra. At 69, I do find myself thinking of things I want and asking myself if I’m too old or it’s too late. But in general, I have found that as I age, I am growing into my true self. I feel better, look better (in my opinion, anyway), and am more confident than I have ever been. I stand up for myself more. There’s freedom in feeling that I don’t have to live up to others’ expectations. Being retired and having control over my own time is AWESOME! That’s not to say life is perfect, because it never is. But despite difficulties that might arise, I’m happier and more content overall than I can recall ever being before. I like getting older, and I highly recommend it!
Love to hear it, Leon. I think “you’re never too old and it’s never too late” is another great mantra.
Wishing you a very happy birthday, Kim, and many wonderful years ahead! Your thoughts on aging resonate with me — “you can what’s important and what’s not” is a real benefit of aging. I have a “milestone” birthday coming up and, like you, have been giving it a lot of thought. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Focusing on what’s important in life and photography – life’s too short not to do that. Happy upcoming birthday to you, Gina.
Happy Birthday Kim.
Thank you so much, Lisa.
Happy birthday…and many happy returns of the day. It’s never too late to be ready.
Hope you had a wonderful day, my friend. I enjoyed what you shared here. For me aging has let me be free to be me. Life just is, we don’t control it. So make the most of each day, be happy.
Happy birthday Kim. Thank you for enriching all our lives, and for not being afraid to ask the important questions.
Happy Birthday Kim! I’ve always thought of “retirement” as simply a new and more self-directed occupation. I’m busier now than ever and it is good kind of busy!