@Hollowsmith

3 years ago

I'm near their age. I'm 81 years old. One thing that brings you happiness in old age that is hard for a young person to understand, is however my life has played out, I got the chance. By the time you're 81, you know dozens of people that died much younger, in their 30's and 40's and 50's from accidents, suicide, rare diseases, you name it. So just by being alive still, my heart fills with gratefulness that I got at least 81 years to experience life. When I was young, I would have thought that sounded pathetic, to be so easily made happy that waking up and having chats, or reading the paper, or walking outside would fill me with joy. When you're young, that's never enough. You feel like you need to leave your mark and make a big name for yourself. But a funny thing happens as you age. You live long enough to see some people you know become big shots, became rich or famous in some way, but most aren't made much happier by it, and some become lost when the notoriety fades. And then loving life for the small things starts to shift from feeling pathetic and small, to feeling wise and full. In fact, if life has taught me anything, it's that the reason we're here is to be present with the priviledge of each moment, as much as possible. Thinking about your goals tomorrow matter of course, and cherishing yesterday's memories. But more than anything, I think what has kept me healthy and happy is appreciating the priviledge of each moment. When you're a little kid, that's how you think. You appreciate recess at school, or going down a sliding board, or a walk through the woods. DON'T LOSE THAT. That, whatever that is, is the reason we're here. Being connected to small moments so strongly that they feel large. If you can do that well, you can enjoy being 80 as much as 40 or 20.

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