How does it feel to be old?

Seta Theodoridis*

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A young person asked me the other day: – How does it make you feel about being old?

I was very surprised by this question, because I don’t consider myself old. When she saw my reaction, she immediately got mad, but I explained it was an interesting question.

After much thought, I have concluded that getting old is a gift.

Sometimes I’m surprised at who I see in my mirror. But I stopped caring about those things for a long time. I wouldn’t trade all the gold in the world for less grey hair and a flat stomach.

I’m not forcing myself to make the bed, or eat a few more “stuff”.

I have my right to be a little messy, to be extravagant and spend hours staring at my flowers.

I have seen some dear friends leave this world, before having enjoyed the freedom that comes with old age and giving the right to read or play on the computer till 4am and then sleeping till I don’t know what time? –

I’m allowed to dance alone to the 50’s and 60’s and then cry, if I feel like it for a love lost 40+ years ago.

I take the right to walk on the beach with a swimsuit stretching over my sleepy body and plunge into the waves allowing me to wear, despite the looks of compassion from bikini wearers. They too will become old one day, if they are lucky enough to live that long.

It is true that through the years my heart has ache for the loss of a loved one, for the pain of a child, or to see a pet die. But it’s pain that gives us strength and makes us grow. A heart that has not been broken is barren and will never know the happiness of being imperfect. I’m proud I’ve lived long enough to let my hair turn grey and keep the smile of my youth, before deep dandruff appeared on my face.

Now, to answer the question sincerely, I can say, “I love being old, because old age makes me wiser, freer!” ”

I know I’m not going to live forever, but as long as I’m here I’m going to live by my own rules, the ones of my heart. I won’t complain about what wasn’t, nor worry about what will be. As long as I have left, I would just like to live my life the way I have made it till today, the rest let the rest decide

Anonymous

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* Seta Theodoridis is President of Greek Community of Paris