Illusions of Age

[wyfbane]

I am going to turn 50 this year. The army did in my knees and back, but I am doing ok. I put on way too much weight after I retired from the Army so I have to get working on that.

Actually, my life is good. I am a teaching job away from perfection, life-wise.

 

[newbroom]

I have always enjoyed thinking superficially about deep subjects. I often relate my thoughts to the lyrics I think I heard in songs I've heard. This thread made me think of the song by the Moody Blues, "Knights in White Satin".
I guess I heard it first about 53 years ago? That whole album was always within earshot where I was living. That and about 100 other albums of the day.
I began to realize my body was wearing out years ago, but only recently have I begun to have concern for my mind. I guess that's healthy, eh? Concern? Too much of anything is just that. Moderation of my own impulsive and self destructive nature has been a lifelong exercise. I've had a lot of exercise.

 

[JOHN72]

I'm 48 years old.I'm not worried about age,and the search for longevity.I would like a sweet death.And keep smoking...................?...Somewhere in the universe.......Eat bacon in the grilled.........Drink bourbon with my friends............?

 

[tobefrank]

I have always felt (and looked) younger than I actually am. I think it has to do with typically being the youngest in class in school. Most of my friends are younger than me and my wife is 8 years younger than me as well.

I have never worried much about my age, but maybe that is because I have always felt younger and have been healthy both in body and mind.

Well, in mind is not entirely true. Running my own business had become such an obsession that I was stressed out of my mind about 2 years ago. This was to the point of having rashes break out on my arms and almost driving my wife to divorce me.

I have since sought help from a psychologist and have developed much better ways to handle stress in a positive way. Life has been good since and I have changed my priorities from work to my family and friends, but I still need to work on taking more time for self-care including the occasional pipe.

 

[anotherbob]

I have always felt (and looked) younger than I actually am. I think it has to do with typically being the youngest in class in school. Most of my friends are younger than me and my wife is 8 years younger than me as well.

I have never worried much about my age, but maybe that is because I have always felt younger and have been healthy both in body and mind.

Well, in mind is not entirely true. Running my own business had become such an obsession that I was stressed out of my mind about 2 years ago. This was to the point of having rashes break out on my arms and almost driving my wife to divorce me.

I have since sought help from a psychologist and have developed much better ways to handle stress in a positive way. Life has been good since and I have changed my priorities from work to my family and friends, but I still need to work on taking more time for self-care including the occasional pipe.

it's not stress that kills a person. It's chronic stress that kills a person.

 

[tobefrank]

it's not stress that kills a person. It's chronic stress that kills a person.

Very true. I have had a fair bit of stress in the lead up to Christmas, but it was all 'positive' stress. I did however need a bit of time off over Christmas to recharge.

 

[tradition]

The secret of life is mind over matter...if you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

 

[LEP7cv]

"We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one" attributed to Confucius

I try to stay present and believe that most of our wishes, goals or desires are to obtain something that is allways ready accessible and infinite... inner peace!

Wish you all a clear path to inner peace.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

It's often said that people unconsciously shape their lives by a narrative they wish to live out (both good and bad), and I am convinced many people intend on dying sooner than later.
The will to live can accomplish amazing things.
Look at examples of people working hard to stay healthy for a long time, often appearing as though they were many decades younger than you'd expect.

I still say I'm just at the beginning of my story.

 

[LEP7cv]

mmmm...bacon...

I'm 48 years old.I'm not worried about age,and the search for longevity.I would like a sweet death.And keep smoking...................?...Somewhere in the universe.......Eat bacon in the grilled.........Drink bourbon with my friends............?

m

 

[mso489]

Many perspectives here, each a glimpse of a life. I've never decided if we gain wisdom with age, or just trade of one kind of wisdom--like energy, vitality, optimism, and adventurousness, for examples -- for others like presence of mind and forethought. Grangerous, the one meal a day is good from a caloric point of view, but some medical dietitians (if you trust them) would say four or five small meals are better for you than one larger meal a day, in terms of metabolic balance. Maybe take that under advisement. I hope a few others will pick up the thread here. It's a good conversation, I think.

 

[Bengel]

I think age is a very high price to pay for maturity.

Tom Stoppard

 

[Chasing Embers]

I think age is a very high price to pay for maturity.

Tom Stoppard

I left home at 13 and started working. You grow up very quickly that way.

 

[morior8]

I left home at 13 and started working. You grow up very quickly that way.

About the same, soon as I could start working at 14 during the summers, I did. I moved out as soon as I was able. Learned a lot real fast. My grandpa on my dads side always said it was like talking to someone his age when we spoke. Said to keep the things that make me happy cause that's what keeps you young. The second you lose that it's all down hill from there and I see it a lot in IT jobs I've been in where work becomes their whole identity. I enjoy working, but I need my play and hobbies too.