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I have a two theories for why people fear getting older… the first one is that regret seems to be the common denominator in most, while the other theory is that they are comparing themselves to someone else’s journey. From what I have seen, it’s the realization that they have reached a certain age that is triggering memories of someone else, who, at that same age, was “old”… Maybe even washed up. And they feel others may think the same of them. Or it was the realization that they haven’t accomplished certain goals by that point and feel they’ve run out of time – Hence, the regret.
My advice to you would be to never compare your life’s journey to others, and that focusing on regret will stifle any future goals. You should embrace getting older… It’s a privilege denied to many.
I’ve lost several friends and family over the years who have never got to grow as old as I am. And if you’re regretting not using the years you’ve had wisely, then why not start now? Don’t stay focused on the negative, make the most of what you’ve got left, so you’ll have no regrets at the end of your ride.
I was excited to turn 30 because I had made the most of my years to that point. So many adventures and taking on new challenges in those first 30 years. I looked forward to 40 because of what lessons I had learned from my 30s. And when I turned 50, it was surreal… I remembered my Dad’s 50th birthday, and he was an ‘old’ man when he turned 50. Instead of feeling old like he was, I smiled because I was still very much active, having more adventures and making more memories. As I’m about to turn 55 on Saturday, I’m excited to become a junior senior citizen. What’s a junior senior citizen? Well, many places offer senior’s discounts to people starting at 55, and if they’re silly enough to think that 55 is old, then I’m going to capitalize on it lol.
I grew up as a feral 80s teen. I’ve been a rodeo cowboy, a truck driver, a forklift driver, a warehouse worker, and a radio DJ. I’ve been backwoods camping, whitewater canoeing, encountered more dangerous wildlife than I care to remember. I’ve had over 200 stitches because of many different injuries and operations. I’ve been divorced once, married twice, and engaged three times. I’ve met rock stars and royalty. It’s no wonder I can’t wait to get older. I’m excited about what is yet to be. And when it gets to the end, I don’t want to have regrets or feel I didn’t compare enough to someone else. But instead, I’ll be that guy at the nursing home regaling the nurses with my stories.
Jim Morrison Quote: “One shouldn’t take life so seriously. No one gets out alive anyway.” So go and make the best of the time you have. No regrets.
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