AGING

In thinking of age,

being a senior…

you know,

that stage in life

when you realize

you’ve lived more than half your life.

You wonder of the natural aging process.

And then…

the vision of yourself on your phone,

when you inadvertently flip the camera image

and you wonder “who is THAT?”

What are the interconnected changes happening within?

What of those on the outside?

What of passing time?

It’s all an emotional mix

and

it’s complex.

It’s a daily shift of meaning.

Could it be time to shift my narrative?

Should I fully focus on calm and peaceful moments?

I need to be honest.

What are my needs?

How might I make it OK to focus on ‘my’ needs?

My life has been about supporting others.

What of now?

I don’t want to be a burden.

If I voice my needs,

is that a burden to the ears that hear?

I’ve seen much.

I’ve had much.

I’ve lived much?

It’s all there…my story.

Security and dependance.

Joyful and despairing.

Focus and scattered.

Overcoming severe trials and grief.

And my need

to use my vulnerabilities to build inner strength.

Now, in my 70s,

I find they all resurface,

all those feelings and emotions,

shifting in and out of my days.

Have I learned anything in this journey of life?

Let’s hope so!