(Positively) Aging

When I get reflective, I try to view my life according to various seasons. Not necessarily weather-related or annual seasons (although that's fun, too) but according to trials or good times or certain "themes" that tend to stand out. If I had to name a season I'm currently in (besides the hellish temperatures of summer in Denver), I would say I'm in an "awareness of aging" season. As in, I don't necessarily feel old or young; I'm at some sort of cross roads between the two.

Ok, I mostly feel old.

How I prefer to deal with the difficulties of aging.

This is not a positive season. The things I notice about myself and - let's face it - my body are usually negative. The thing is, though, according to my age, I am not old, especially by American/1st world standards. According to the projected longevity in one of the world's richest countries, I'm not even to the halfway point yet.

But.

I've been told my entire life that I'm an "old soul," a sort of world-weary, mature soul in a much younger body. I didn't necessarily subscribe to that theory, regardless of the number of people who've told me that over the years, but now I'm wondering if there's something to it. It's one thing to be a mature 6-year-old, and a mature 16-year-old. Now, though, I feel like a senior citizen on the inside. I don't act like one, mind you. Veep, anyone? Flipping off my students occasionally? Yeah, the old soul doesn't always rule. But it tends to be the default setting.

Like I said: this is not a positive season. But it's not a negative season, either. I've had many convos with friends lately, and here are some of our observations regarding the GOOD things about aging.

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Hold on, there's got to be something.

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Haha, ok here goes.

The Ability to Say No.
I wanted to call this category "confidence," or "self-awareness," but I'm not sure those are exactly right. For me, though, the more times I've rotated the sun, the easier it is for me to nope out of situations, events, gatherings, favors, manipulations (ahem), etc. I'm not talking about always putting myself first and letting other people down. I'm talking about legitimately being able to tell people "no" without going through 5 days of emotional gymnastics and hand wringing. I've learned that 99% of the time people have no reaction whatsoever. And if they do react, or if they get mad, they'll get over it. And if they don't, well, I've learned that other people's anger is OK. So is mine.

Just say no. Really.

Stop Trying to Manipulate God.
I'm fortunate to have been a Christian most of my life. I've talked to God (and occasionally listened to Him, ha ha) literally as long as I can remember. It turns out He really does have a plan, whether or not it makes sense to me. And He really does know what He's doing - with me, with you, with everyone else, with the planet. This is an awareness that has come as a result of years and years - it is a benefit of aging. While this knowledge usually does not comfort me in the short term, it soothes me and brings peace in the long term. It helps me not to overreact to, well, every little thing that pops up. I've learned that pain, inconvenience, trials, and challenges are some of the most effective ways He has worked in my life. Progress typically does not come through me getting my way all the time. This is inconvenient.

Appreciate Your Body.
So cliche, I know. On any given day there are approximately 981 things I'd like to change about my body, immediately if possible. There's no need going into the details because you have your own list. We probably have the same list. But. Despite the aches and pains that have developed, I am trying very hard to appreciate my body. It gets me around. It's the shell in which I have experienced the world. It's my chamber, and God's temple (Lord, help us all). I can walk and run and sing and pet animals and smell brownies baking in the oven. I can stare out my front window and plane windows and car windows. I can drive. As I go through the day, my body allows me to perform any action I want to, mostly without any pain or difficulty. That is not a small thing.

My body has even hung out with sharks in Hawaii. Like I said, that is not a small thing. :)

Admit Your Limitations
This category could also, like the first category on the list, be labelled something like "confidence," or "self awareness." But, as I've gotten older, I've become way more comfortable admitting what I don't know or don't understand. I don't have all the answers. Neither do you. Admitting my limitations (or my lack of knowledge) has been particularly liberating. As a teacher. As a wife. As a sister. As a friend. Most recently I had a convo with Em that combined both my ability to accept my limitations and my ability to say no: I had to tell her I can't climb a 14'er (much less two!) with her this summer. I made that decision because I know what my body can and can't handle, and since it has been so good to me (!) I'm not going to put it through the ringer.

These are just some of the things that have come to mind. I'd love to know what you think.
What are some of the good things about aging?