Eyes mostly open, blinking maybe. Watching where you are going is important, especially when you are operating an “automobile” going somewhere but so is being where you are. I’m 79, kinda. I’m the same as I’ve been for a long time, kinda. The sunrise light is forming on the bark of the ash tree outside reflecting back into my room too as I feel the warmth of my wife’s body in bed next to me and turn.
So good to hear. So nice to read. So refreshing to ingest. So tired of all the age scaring going on. Instagram especially. Facebook is only skin deep too. As if all people care about is the sagging, scaling, and soul sucking instability of aging skin. Good grief, as if a few extra lines have the power to redefine us. So sadly superficial. The best facial is a good smile. And if it is sincere, you just can’t beat that glow.
Love this so much! I just spent two hours with friends who are mostly in our 70s, one is 91, and nearly the whole talk was about being older--aging--and what that means and feels like. I love "evolving" as an alternative word. I've also just started reading Ilchi Lee's book I've Decided To Live 120 Years, and am finding it inspirational to help alter my assumptions. I firmly believe that how I feel at any age is heavily influenced by how I think about being that age, and I work at loosening the grip of the cultural narrative about "aging." Thanks so much for writing about this! I think I'm going to reread this piece frequently.
Thanks Betsy. There is so much good research out there on aging well, and nearly all of it focuses on the same things: good food, good friends, movement and a purpose. Each of those has sub heads but those are the legs of the stool. I try hard to balance all of them as I age!
I'm a fellow believer in you're never too old. If curious, do come see a two-minute video of me standing on my head at the age of 80. I am now 82, but still stand on my head. And I love being old – it's so much better than being young. I even wrote a book about it with the same title as my Substack.
Great insights that I, too, share with you at the young age of 65. Ageism can be thwarted through shifting mindsets and staying curious about this life we are living at all stages.
I think this shift is happening with me right now. Regularly up by 4-4:30. In bed by 8:30 - 9.
My gift is that as a photographer, I get to watch and capture the rising light of the predawn hours. I've captured hundreds of images of the various lighting effects in a few months.
Lovely article, Julia, and I can certainly relate. Although my early morning rise (sometimes at 04:00 or 04:30) is caused by the cat circus starting here 🙈 and often involving racing across me 🙄 Never a dull moment here 🤭
“Life is just life.”
Thank you.
Eyes mostly open, blinking maybe. Watching where you are going is important, especially when you are operating an “automobile” going somewhere but so is being where you are. I’m 79, kinda. I’m the same as I’ve been for a long time, kinda. The sunrise light is forming on the bark of the ash tree outside reflecting back into my room too as I feel the warmth of my wife’s body in bed next to me and turn.
Mmmm.
Thank you for leading my thoughts.
It just happened last night. Oh, no…
You're in excellent company!
Amen, sweet sister~~~♥️♥️♥️
Thank you so much Rosemary.
This explains why my grandmother went to bed at eight; she knew she’d wake up at four. If I could only get my wife to go to sleep at nine…
There's that!
THE FIRST SIGN!!!
So good to hear. So nice to read. So refreshing to ingest. So tired of all the age scaring going on. Instagram especially. Facebook is only skin deep too. As if all people care about is the sagging, scaling, and soul sucking instability of aging skin. Good grief, as if a few extra lines have the power to redefine us. So sadly superficial. The best facial is a good smile. And if it is sincere, you just can’t beat that glow.
So agree. We are indeed in a sick society, and then we are irritated with ourselves for having issues trying to adapt to it, Lisa.
Love this so much! I just spent two hours with friends who are mostly in our 70s, one is 91, and nearly the whole talk was about being older--aging--and what that means and feels like. I love "evolving" as an alternative word. I've also just started reading Ilchi Lee's book I've Decided To Live 120 Years, and am finding it inspirational to help alter my assumptions. I firmly believe that how I feel at any age is heavily influenced by how I think about being that age, and I work at loosening the grip of the cultural narrative about "aging." Thanks so much for writing about this! I think I'm going to reread this piece frequently.
Thanks Betsy. There is so much good research out there on aging well, and nearly all of it focuses on the same things: good food, good friends, movement and a purpose. Each of those has sub heads but those are the legs of the stool. I try hard to balance all of them as I age!
70 here……just getting started
Plenty of time to get going!
I'm a fellow believer in you're never too old. If curious, do come see a two-minute video of me standing on my head at the age of 80. I am now 82, but still stand on my head. And I love being old – it's so much better than being young. I even wrote a book about it with the same title as my Substack.
Given what we gain as we age Ann, that's so true. I wouldn't trade it either!
💯
Great insights that I, too, share with you at the young age of 65. Ageism can be thwarted through shifting mindsets and staying curious about this life we are living at all stages.
Here is to rich curiosity! Hear hear!!
Love this!
I think this shift is happening with me right now. Regularly up by 4-4:30. In bed by 8:30 - 9.
My gift is that as a photographer, I get to watch and capture the rising light of the predawn hours. I've captured hundreds of images of the various lighting effects in a few months.
Thanks Joe. Initially I rather resented the shift but I swiftly adapted and love the results. Life goes on!
Lovely article, Julia, and I can certainly relate. Although my early morning rise (sometimes at 04:00 or 04:30) is caused by the cat circus starting here 🙈 and often involving racing across me 🙄 Never a dull moment here 🤭
When I am out of this bloody boot and back walking I hope to have a dog circus, at least one. I can't wait!
Oh I’d love a dog circus as well 💙🐾🎪
Another great piece Julia. Love the developing not deteriorating.
Catriona, I wish I could recall where I first read that. I'd like to take credit but can't. Only for passing along the wisdom!
Great article. Thanks. Not clear how my sleep patterns have changed because my two golden retrievers have other ideas about what they should be.
I cant love this enough. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Thank you.