My kids called me old the other day, and I agreed. It was 10.30pm, I was insisting that they went to bed as my whole body and soul was screaming for the comfort of my duvet.
They said I was old – I agreed with them because from their vantage point I am. Compared to my 86 year old neighbour I am barely out of nappies.
They said it like it was a bad thing.
One thing I have learnt in 43 years, is sleep is frigging amazing, take it, cherish it and enjoy it. My kids will learn this soon.
The other thing I have learnt is 43 is not old.
Nor is age a bad thing.
My peer group often call themselves old, and you can almost hear the disgust in their voice. In their late 30’s, 40’s and 50’s I hear them starting to lament what they haven’t done and what they don’t think they will ever do.
They won’t take that career change, because they are too old. They won’t start the family, because they are too old. They won’t wear the short skirt because they are too old. They are starting to live a life blanketed in what if’s and can’t does.
If any of these people were to sadly pass away this year, everyone would say how young they were.
The message: do not waste your life considering if your age can stop you; live as if it may all end tomorrow.
Ladies (and gents).
As we wander into the middle section of our lives, change your perspective, nothing is outside your grasp, no skirt is too short, no change is too big.
We are halfway through.
If you learn nothing from this year, learn from the man who at 99, got up from his chair and walked laps in his garden to raise money for the NHS during a global pandemic. He didn’t know he was going to raise millions 40 years ago. What have you got coming to you in your future?
I repeat, your future is not set, your life not in concrete.
You are the master of your own destiny.
Believe in that.
I tried a mini skirt, but they locked me up. I’m 79, not old.