Letting Go & Living Well
I am 48 years old, and certainly don’t feel my age. I laugh envisioning my future 80-something self speeding around in my wheelchair wearing 3-inch heels! I refuse to believe that we need to make style choices dependent upon age. I still love wearing worn-out jeans and t-shirts, leather pants, and over-the-knee boots. Actually, the older I become, the more freedom I feel. Worry and self-doubt have gone the way of caring about other people’s opinions and expectations. I accept what I can’t change and let go of the rest. There is peace in knowing that life unfolds exactly as it should and surrendering to the flow with acceptance and gratitude. I’ve learned this and more from our time spent in Europe as we renovate an old home in a small French village.
A funny thing happened on the way to Bordeaux this past summer that would’ve unraveled the younger me. When we couldn’t find the right car at the train station, we hopped into another one and made our way there. It wasn’t perfect, but we were headed in the right direction. Isn’t that what truly matters? The road is not always straight or even paved, but the important thing is being on the road and moving in the right direction.
Lately, I’ve realize some age-defying benefits to “letting go.” When we aren’t as stressed, worry lines may soften, and we glow more when we smile more. It’s so easy to pay attention to what aging takes from us, and trust me, I’ve lost my fair share. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be, nor is my memory, and things have dropped a few inches. . .if you know what I mean. However, I also believe that letting go is freedom and freedom is happiness. Now that I think about it, maybe I’ll wear the 4-inch heels in my speedy wheelchair! s
