Anne Lamott Archives %- – Rock The Wrinkle

So many times when we talk about aging, we focus on the challenges, the inconveniences, the frustrations one can feel when the spirit is willing but the body may be growing weak. But what about the joys, the renewed insights and wisdom, the freedom that comes as we transition into the person we were always meant to be?

Take a listen to these great minds and how they have recognized the gifts of growing older…

“There is a gravitas in the second half of life, but it is now held up by a much deeper lightness, or “okayness.” … there is still darkness in the second half of life—in fact, maybe even more. But there is now a changed capacity to hold it creatively and with much less anxiety…. In this second half of life, one has less and less need or interest in eliminating the negative or fearful, making again those old rash judgments, holding on to old hurts, or feeling any need to punish other people…. Richard Rohr, Falling Upward

“I have found it very important in my own life to try to let go of my wishes and instead to live in hope. I am finding that when I choose to let go of my sometimes petty and superficial wishes and trust that my life is precious and meaningful in the eyes of God something really new, something beyond my own expectations begins to happen for me.” Henri Nouwen, Finding My Way Home

“As I get older, the more I stay focused on the acceptance of myself and others, and choose compassion over judgment and curiosity over fear.” Tracee Ellis Ross

“When we let go of our battles and open our heart to things as they are, then we come to rest in the present moment. This is the beginning and the end of spiritual practice. Only in this moment can we discover that which is timeless. Only here can we find the love that we seek. Love in the past is simply memory, and love in the future is fantasy. Only in the reality of the present can we love, can we awaken, can we find peace and understanding and connection with ourselves and the world.” Jack Kornfield, A Path With Heart

“Age has given me what I was looking for my entire life – it has given me me . It has provided time and experience and failures and triumphs and time-tested friends who have helped me step into the shape that was waiting for me. I fit into me now. I have an organic life, finally, not necessarily the one people imagined for me, or tried to get me to have. I have the life I longed for. I have become the woman I hardly dared imagine I would be.” Anne Lamott, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith

It’s good to know we are not alone on this journey. It’s refreshing to know that we are still growing, still learning, still evolving…that new adventures await us and that all around us, there is energy and inspiration waiting to be tapped that can take us to places we never imagined.

And the best part: we get to do this now, wrinkles and all, because we couldn’t have done it before. Where are you on your journey? Are there lessons you’re just now learning that are giving you a whole new perspective?

Wherever you are, it’s the right place. And it’s only the beginning.

“Listen to the song of life.” Katherine Hepburn

It’s spring. Finally. Never thought it would get here, did you? And it’s early this year. Which could explain why it’s still (depending upon where you live), still cold. Rainy. Snowy. Dreary. Disappointing.

But wait. Even if all the above is true, chances are there are signs of spring everywhere. You just have to look harder to find them. Like purple crocus raising their heads. Or bountiful cherry trees quietly sharing their beauty. Or daffodils bending in the breeze. And of course, lots of allergens to fill your sinus cavities with seasonal splendor.

So if it’s spring, why does it sometimes feel like nothing’s changed…like the same old, same old is still here. You aren’t feeling younger. Or more attractive. Or like you could skip down the sidewalk with a new piece of chalk for hopskotch.

So what does Spring mean, anyway….when you get older?

We over 50 tend to hunker down during winter. It’s chilly and humid and makes our bones talk to us. We are wary of icy sidewalks and quite frankly, driving at night in a snowstorm isn’t our idea of a good time. Not that it ever was, but it used to seem easier. Or were we just more willing to take a chance?

Spring used to mean a break from school. Maybe pulling out the fun clothes and sandals and getting some sun. Planting seeds in the garden. Starting a new exercise regimen or giving up fast food (at least for a few weeks) so we might fit in the summer swimsuit.

Things change. I’ll admit to just being grateful to see the seasons change. To realize that spring represents new life, a shaking-off of winter doldrums and the promise of longer days and maybe lower utility bills.

Of course if you live where it snows through May, you’re still dreaming of that…and you’re tired of hearing how it’s 75 in Miami.

Here’s what a few famous folks had to say about spring:

“In the spring, I have counted 136 kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.”

Mark Twain

“I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen.”

Anne Lamott

“Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.”

Rainer Maria Rilke

“Spring is nature’s way of saying: ‘Let’s party!'”

Robin Williams

Spring can be a challenge in many ways, filled with mud and rain and cobwebs and long lists of what needs to be done. But it can also be a beautiful time to renew the soul.

Get some sunshine.

Breathe some fresh air.

Consider new possibilities.

Wait for a butterfly to float by.

Every season that passes becomes more precious…a treasure we hold in our hearts. Let’s enjoy this one.