Slowing Down Aging? It JustTakes a Little Laughter

"Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional!"
Walt Disney

by Skip Cohen

​It's a typical Sunday, and if you've followed me for even the shortest time, you know I'm about to run amuck! Sunday Morning Reflections is a NO BUSINESS zone, always giving me the opportunity to run with whatever's on my mind.

We had dinner with old friends last week, and the topic of our ages came up. It's always a surprise that Sheila and I are as old as we are. Well, that got me thinking about aging.

Honestly, except for creaking for ten minutes when I get up in the morning, I don't feel any older than I did twenty years ago. And according to Sheila, I'm certainly no more mature! But the truth is, if somebody told me to act my age, I'd be shopping for a walker! LOL

Sheila and I have friends our age and a few younger who act like they're considerably older. Then we've met people who seem never to age, having mastered the ability to stop time. So, what is aging?

I can't say it's just a number because I do notice changes. I've got no patience for bullshit. Just the fact that I can write the word "bullshit" here and not worry about it is part of aging. I notice I forget a word now and then, especially names, and I've got a little arthritis in one shoulder. But put all that aside, and I'm just as nuts as I was twenty years ago.  

And here's one more thing I've noticed, as I've gotten older. I've become more aware of the importance of simply living life with a smile, not just on my face but in my heart. I still wake up smiling every morning, and I love being here this morning writing SMR.

Life is too short and not worth losing time to those hockey pucks out there who like nothing more than to create stress. Maybe that explains all the 80 yr olds here in Florida driving at 11 mph with their left turn signal on - they know they'll get there. They're just savoring each mile of the drive!

Here's my point - we can't slow down the clock. Aging is just a number - but it's your choice how to deal with it. My goal is to live life with no regrets and not miss a moment that brings me joy. And "joy" is based strictly on my definition and the things that make me happy. I'm not suggesting I'm without regrets, just that I can't change what's in my rearview mirror, but I've got complete control over what's in front of me.

"Age is something that doesn't matter... unless you are a cheese!"
Billie Burke

​Wishing all of you a day ahead that's filled with smiles and "twinkles in your wrinkles." Time does go faster as you get older, but there's nothing you can do to slow it down - so you might as well laugh throughout the ride. And while that's easier said than done - a great partner and good friends bring it all together! Cherish those special friendships that make you smile, even in the toughest times!

​Happy Sunday or Monday on the other side of the world!