Successful Aging

I've been around for 70 years and then some.

Had my ups, had my downs.

Somehow, as we reach the elder station in life, most of us try to measure, where we're at in terms of our definition of "success".

For some it involves material things, fancy cars, a big house, a summer place or a winter getaway. Perhaps a title or two. Doctor, lawyer, politican, community activist, etc..

But the real test of your success in life is the answer to this question.
Are you content with who you are?

And, to answer that question you need to take a long, good honest look at who you've become.

Are you kind? Do you overlook other's shortcomings. Can you look at persons who are less fortunate in physical beauty and accept them as readily as you might accept a person of great physical beauty? Can you accept those with physical disabilities as easily as those without disabilities. Can you give a compliment to a shy person, a physically unattractive person? Can you make others feel better about themselves?
Can you truly accept others as your equal?

Do you realize how little each of us knows? Humility and humbleness are probably the keys to wisdom. I am wont to say that the only thing I know in life for sure, is "never say never".

I've gone to school for a long time. Read hundreds of books. And, I guess some think I'm smarter than most. That doesn't mean a thing. If being smart makes me or anyone else content, it's time to start over. I can remember a former professor of mine remarking that "... there are plenty of genius' on skid row".

Can you say honestly that you enjoy simple things in life? A day with your husband/wife, kids, grandkids, friends doing pretty much nothing?
Reading a good book, watching a good movie, gardening, whatever simple thing makes you happy?

Can you look at someone who has achieved great success in whatever way and not envy them?

Can you forgive others who may have been rude or even cruel to you or yours?

And, more importantly, can you forgive yourself?

Don't envy others their station, be kind, enjoy the simple things, forgive.

Be content with who you are.

What do you think?

jasmeyer1933@yahoo.com