I am kind of lazy today, so I decided to rewrite something I found in my old journals. This was supposed to be a quick and easy task, but it ended up taking a lot of time, because I just couldn’t stop reading them. Anyway, I wrote the following letter to my friend J on Oct. 2002. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I do.
* * *
Dear J,
You said, “I’m less happy than I think I should be. Is this part of getting older or something else?”
Do you know this was the first time you asked me a question? And, I do think I am qualified to give you an answer. After all, I am much older.
So, let’s talk about aging. My biggest complain about getting old is the decline of my health. My knees, back, teeth… none of them are as strong as before. I don’t run as fast and I often forget things.
But, I am more content and I am happier. I don’t irritate myself by setting impossible goals. I know my limitations well, and I am okay with having them. I accept who I am. If you can keep a secret… I really love who I am.
Freedom is another good thing that comes with aging. I don’t worry too much about what other people think. I’ve learned how different each of us can be, so I don’t get upset when someone does things differently or say things I wouldn’t say.
Being less happy because you are getting older? Not possible! Maybe you are burning out. Try to take a break from what you are doing. If you can’t take a break, at least pour yourself a glass of red wine or something.
If everything fails, count how many years you have left in this life. Can you really afford time to be less happy?
Helen
* * *
Hmm…I was wise at one point of my life 😉
Thanks for visiting my blog.
HHC Blog 
Can’t agree more with you regarding aging.
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Thank you, Yan. You are young. Treasure every moment.
Have you tried your new lighting equipment? Can’t wait to see your photos.
Good night.
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beautiful perspective and the zinger ending (think about how much time is left – or might be left) well I am going to remind some folks about that when the time is ripe. that is very good for an adjustment.
and I thought you burned your old journals?
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Thanks, Yvette. You are right… I should say “might be left” 😉 THANKS.
I burned my college journals before coming to U.S. — not too smart. I still have some from year 2002 and up in digital form, and maybe some before 2002 that in hand writing. It’s fun reading old journals. Some conversations between my sisters and me are quite interesting. Ha.
Good night.
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oh that is great to have some journals and do you recall anything that was in those very early ones? Perhaps you could try to jot some things down – or not?
and gosh – thinking about how many years we could have left is a bit alarming – in a good way – and that was really nice to read tonight.
so thanks for that.
oh and I think some of my favorite “reads” have been conversation snippets – and there is a whole book of them from CS LEWIS (called letters I think) and I gave away my tattered copy and need to replace it – but there is a very beautiful essence to enjoy when the convo is natural and so much to be gleaned.
and this one on aging was a good example of that too.
how happiness and aging chit-chat got a little bit deep and then ended with some lightness
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I don’t remember much, but I know the kind of person I was (young naive, innocent…), if that makes any sense. I like writing letters. It’s the easiest, I think. Hmm… maybe I can write about my writing-letter experience tomorrow 😉
Sounds like a book that I would love to read. I will check it out. Thanks.
Good night.
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sweet dreams and be back in a few days –
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Why would being less happy be a side effect of getting older? I love your response, Helen. Such good advice and so very true. My birthday is next week so I will be even more happy then! 🙂
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Next week? I am happy for your happy-birthday; I am ready to sing birthday song! I hope you have a bigger plan! Everyday we should have a big plan; then we have a bigger one for our birthday! (Which day??? 😉
Have a wonderful evening!
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very wise! hope you have a fabulous day today
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Thank you, Shutterbug. (I tried to look for your name again, but couldn’t find it now ;-(
The interesting part is I had this strange feeling — did I really write that? 😉 That’s why I like reading old journals
Good night.
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It’s Kelly 😊 For future reference 😊
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Thanks, Kelly.
Good night.
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Your conclusion “… count how many years you have left in this life. Can you really afford time to be less happy?’ is simply perfect.
Yup – there are lots of things about getting older I don’t like, but I could have a massive heart attack tomorrow, or get hit by a car. With that kind of mindset, I can’t afford to spend even a minute of today unhappy because I have turkey neck.
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Thanks, Joanne. I remember my daughter used to sing ((I think when she was 3rd grade or 4th): “Don’t worry. Be happy.” It stays in my mind all these years 😉
Good night.
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So well said, Helen. I remember I attended a pilate workout class some years ago. The instructor came in while we were warming up. She announced that it was her birthday, then said, “I’m 21 today, I feel so ooold.” Many were over 30s in her class and some of us could be her mother. After saying Happy B to her, I said, “Somehow I don’t feel old.” I guess the kind of contentment might be hard to 21 to understand. 🙂 🙂
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LOL. It doesn’t matter if 21 can understand or not. I mean… we don’t care if they can’t understand. Oh, no, I am only speaking for my age 😉 You are much younger. Ha.
Good night.
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I agree, Helen. I think it takes maturity to enjoy every stage of our life. Thank you for sharing your insights. 🙂
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You were! 🙂 🙂 Still are, I suspect.
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Thanks, Jo. I didn’t know I was. I pray I am 😉
Have a wonderful day.
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So true, Helen. I am much happier as I age. I was a miserable child then. Love getting older. Cheers.
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Thanks, Perpetua. I love getting old, but I don’t mind to stop getting-old now. Ha.
Good night.
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You must have reached the perfect age of 60?
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That’s all I would admit… 😉
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can’t believe that it is December! love your November stories. You are going to keep writing, aren’t you? ^^
Lovely advise, to me, to others, to everybody!
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Thank you, Lady Oscar. As you can see I have taken a few days off. Ha. There must be a good balance somewhere… I am still looking for that.
Have a great day. (Do you guys get sunshine there? It’s a gray day here ;-(
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It has been rainy and cold here. I can’t wait to have some really cold days!
leaves have been falling… soon the pecan tree will be bold. — and lots of leaves waiting for me…
Happy Winter!
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