It feels like just yesterday that I was young and ready to start adult-life. And in a way it feels like eons ago, and I wonder where the years have gone.
I know I lived them all.
I remember all my hopes and dreams. I remember the plans I made.
And suddenly, here I am in the last quarter.
How did I get here so fast?
Where have the years gone and where did my youth go?
I can recall looking at older people, thinking how long it will take for me to get where they are. That I am still in my youth, that I have many years ahead. At that time I could not even think of being where I am now.
And yet, here I am.
My friends are retired, they all have grey hair, they move much slower than they did and when I look at them, I see older people. Some are in a better and some a worse condition than me. But I see the big difference. They are no longer the youthful, carefree, full-of-life friends.
Just like me, age shows. And we are now the older people we used to look at and thought it was still a long way off.
I find that these days, taking a shower takes its toll on my breath and energy levels. And an afternoon nap is not just a treat, it’s become a necessity. And if I don’t, I find myself sleeping in the same chair I started reading or watching television in.
Now I have entered this new season of my life, totally unprepapred for the discomfort, aches and pains, loss of energy and strength and ability to do what I could, yet sometimes didn’t. At least I know that, even though I am in the last quarter and I have no idea how long this quarter will be, when my time on earth is over, a new adventure awaits too.
Yes, I do have things I wish I I had never done. Yet so thankful for those I did. It is all in a lifetime.
And if you are not in the last quarter yet, I want to remind you that it comes faster than you could anticipate. Do the things you still want to do as soon as possible. Do not procrastinate. Life runs on fast legs.
Do today what you can.
There is no promise that we will all see the seasons of life. Live for today. For now.
Say the words to the ones you love. Often.
Hopefully some will appreciate the things you did for them. And if they don’t, it is also okay.
Life is truly a gift. Just be happy. It is afterall your choice.
And remember that health is a treasure, not wealth, gold and silver, property or your bank balance.
You may think that going out is the best, but believe me – coming home is better.
You may forget names and that is okay, because some have already forgotten that they knew you.
The things you cared about previously, you may lose interest in.
If you fall asleep in your favourite chair, stay there.
Growing older is wonderful. It is comfortable. It is loaded with memories that you never grow tired of. It is an absolute treasure.
Look after yourself.
