There is a difference between aging and agism!
However, according to societal propaganda I am nearing death. Or at least debilitation (weak and infirm). And you know what that makes me… Angry!
Yes, I have a lot of life left in this body, mind and spirit and do not subscribe to the narrative of old and feeble. Or old and non functioning. Or old and needing assistance. Or old and breaking down. Or old and requiring more pills and diapers. Or old and incoherent. Or advanced in years, aged, past it, over the hill.
What I am ~ is just getting started! This is not a story about being in denial or not wanting to accept that I have lived many decades. This is a story about a story! Meaning, the lies that are told to us about our body’s abilities and inabilities, our supposed incompetence, usefulness (or uselessness), powerlessness, impotence and how we decline with age.
I ask myself, is it really a decline or am I just more discerning about what I want to do? I danced for 2 hours almost non stop at an improvisational dance group a few nights ago. Was I sore and a bit tired the next day? Yes! Am I feeling strong and connected to myself? Absolutely!
Was I not feeling this same way 30, 40, 50 years ago after dancing at clubs for hours. Of course I was feeling the exact same way. The only difference then and now is discernment. I went right back out the next day and “pushed” myself to do more things because that’s what we do when we are in our 20’s and 30’s and 40’s. That’s what life calls for. Does it mean that my body is any different than it was then? Well, this is my question to myself and to you. I had places to go and friends to meet and things to do. The next day after I danced I choose to revel in the fact that I had a great time, met people, laughed, danced and then I basked in the deliciousness of that experience while I savored a meal that I cooked to support my body, mind and soul after a glorious night of fun. And I also considered going for my usual 5 mile walk and then decided to read instead.
Did I do these same thing years ago? I might have but most likely I would have run 5 miles the next day because there is a difference between then and now. And that is how time reveals itself. It is not about breaking down, it is about the slowing down of life and living more deeply with presence and appreciation. This is not a negative or declining experience as the media, doctors and most speak about in a derogatory way. It is about different choices that come with aging and a well lived life.
This brings me to the heart of this conversation. We are NOT supposed to be the same as we were 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 years ago. We are supposed to see life and our environment in different and more fully lived ways. We are supposed to be more aware and in my opinion more alive to what we need. We have lived full and productive lives and are still living these lives with wisdom and vibrancy. Except most are not! And why is that you might ask? Because culturally and the billions of dollars that are spent on marketing is geared towards your decline based in fear and they are depending on your collapse as you age. Unfortunately for most people they have bought into this concept. They have listened to this LIE about what your body is no longer available to do as opposed to what your glorious body can still do.
You know the truth of this is that I am sick! But not in the way you might think. I am sick of these lies and diminished representation of the wisdom and vitality of our years and of all the life we have lived and experienced! That’s what makes me Sick! I am here to speak out about the truth of who I am, who you are as a wisdom keeper because of your life experience. And all you/we keep hearing about is how sick we NEED to be. How sick we will become! What test you need next! What procedure you’ll need at what age.
I can go anywhere and know that if I see a few mature people together, I will invariably overhear their conversations and it will be about their doctors appointments, what procedures they are having next, what prescriptions they are taking and what “their doctors” said they should do next. I WANT TO SCREAM for their complete disregard for their own autonomy and total ignorance and disconnect from their bodies.
Please understand if you are reading this and have a feeling about these words because you can relate to them or just because they have stimulated something inside of you. This is an invitation for you to stop and really look more deeply into your own life and see where you have given yourself away to an outside source.
Each day is different. We are different. We are supposed to be different in each moment regardless of our chronological age.
And know this… There is a difference between aging and agism!
