“I Am Not 80 Yet” is the first part of the title in an opinion piece by Bonnie Tsui in the New York Times yesterday.  It was interesting because it was written from the perspective of a much younger person, and somehow I was identifying with the writer.  When I realized it and thought about it, I was shocked to recognise just how much closer I am to age 80, than to the author of this piece.  

So, I decided to read it again from another view.  She wrote about their self-acceptance, of who they were and what they may look like.  It was evident in everything they did and said.  They had a great sense of humor and laughed easily.  They knew what was important.  And their experiences had made their outlook on life less concerned about trivial things.  I am closer to that perspective now, than I have ever been before, even though I am not 80 yet.  

One thing that is true for me now, is that I have less of a filter than when I was younger.  I pretty much say what I think, except I try not to ever subconsciously make a mistake and say something I hadn’t intended.  And, that I need to be cognizant of other ways it could be taken.  I especially don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings because I didn’t think it through. 

Actually, there are many perks about being older.  The valuable experiences, accumulated over the years, can make one able to help younger people discover their worth and give them another way to look at things.  A person can lose physical beauty, but be a treasure trove of wisdom and love for one’s fellow human beings.  That is of inestimable  value.  Physical beauty is fleeting, love and kindness to others is not.  There are definitely perks to being young, but that is also true for us at all ages.

So, I have decided to revel in my daily life. Hopefully I will become a better person as I continue to pursue the opportunity to share my time and talent with the people that I come into contact with.  I am in the beginning of my 8th decade, but I am not 80 yet!