Stress Center Peer Support

I would really like to hear anyone's positive thoughts about aging. We are constantly bombarded with the idea that youth is all that matters, that once you pass a certain age, you're not worth as much. Yes, we see some examples of older celebrities, but they are rich and many times the message is if you're not young you better be rich. I would just like to hear people share how they turned their negative thoughts about aging into positive ones. I am 44 and I am having really negative thoughts about it. I didn't feel this way when I turned 40. Some people tell me I look younger than my age, but whenever someone guesses correctly that I am in my forties, all these negative thoughts come flooding in. I am in good health, and I know that is a blessing on which I should focus. Anyone else having a midlife crisis?

Hi,

I understand totally. I had a real problem with this when I turned 50 and I am now ready to turn 58 and I don't sweat it that much anymore. Like you, people think I am younger, usually 35-45, which I will accept all day long!!! I remind myself that age is a number and we should focus on how we feel and truly live life, creating memories, which is something that I have done all of my life and continue to do. I will not allow that to be taken from me. As well, if you look around at everything in live, all is impermanent. If we can let go of the attachments we create about everything/everyone being permanent, we start to see what really is. This is a bit of mind bender at first and definitely something I continue to work on.

Adrien,

Thank you for responding. Would you mind elaborating on your thoughts on letting go of attachments? I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this subject. Thanks!

To be honest, I am still working on that as it is not an easy thing for most of us to do. Reading the free Mindfulness .pdf book that I added a link for in my meditation post, has helped me to understand this concept. Now it is up to me to put it into practice and to continue reading about it and practicing daily Vipassana meditation.

If you have not seen my meditation post with the link, please let me know and I will post it here.

Thank you Adrien. I will look into it.

Happy New Year!