Summary

The website content is a reflective and apologetic ode to aging, acknowledging past neglect and expressing a commitment to self-love and care in later years.

Abstract

The text is a poignant reflection on the process of growing older, where the author expresses regret for not having taken better care of their body during youth. It speaks to the physical and emotional toll of aging, with the author noting the weight of sorrow and regret that comes with the aches and changes in their body. Despite this, there is a palpable sense of hope and a pledge to appreciate and nurture their aging self, recognizing that although the body may show signs of wear, the capacity for love, wisdom, and joy remains. The author emphasizes the importance of self-care, both physical and mental, and encourages others to embrace their seasoned selves with love and acceptance, understanding that aging is an inevitable journey that everyone must navigate.

Opinions

The author feels remorse for neglecting their body in their youth, leading to physical decline.
There is a recognition that aging brings visible changes and limitations, but also an increased capacity for wisdom and emotional resilience.
The author vows to take better care of themselves, embracing self-love and acceptance.
They encourage others to care for their bodies beyond just moisturizing, suggesting massage, stretching, and allowing oneself to be loved in an imperfect state.
The text conveys a sense of forgiveness towards the author's younger self for not knowing better.
It is acknowledged that while the body may falter, a nimble mind and spirit can compensate for physical limitations.
The author celebrates the wisdom and experiences that come with age, despite the challenges.
There is an overall message of resilience, suggesting that one should never accept defeat from aging but rather adapt and continue to welcome new experiences.
The author concludes with a sense of joy and gratitude for the realization of self-worth that has come with age.

Ode To Growing Old — Weary But Worthy

40 Going On 50

Revised 4/18/2021

I’m sorry I neglected you, left your weary bones to ache and your joints stiff

I’m sorry that life and strife laid you out, laid you down — immobilized stiffen and calcified

I’m sorry that I let your beauty fade in the haze and phases of depression and apathy

I thought we had more time

Age and life creeped up on me and now the weight of years of pain and neglect carrying around 50 pounds of sorrow and regret has made this aging body a house that is creaky, unloved and hollow

I am an older, slower-moving shadow and shell of my former bubbly, bountiful and beautiful self

My vibrancy is reduced and now my age is beginning to show in my walk and movement My feet hurt My core is no more, fertility, time and abandonment turned flatness into fatness, bloated and bellowed My back feels fragile and breakable My face shows that I am tired, in pain and unhappy

I am so sorry that I let my twenties and thirties consume me with fear and self-loathing to the point where I did not take care of you the way I should

I am hopeful and optimistic, but as I look at dry and stretched skin, eyes that are covered with weariness, I am deeply apologetic for not loving you more

I vow to take better care of you as we go into this final phase of life

I will appreciate your beauty even in your aged and battle-worn state

I will not give up or relent because I have more life and love to give- first to myself

My arms, even with stiff shoulders give warm hugs and healing and loving embraces

My face while serious still can bring a bright smile and my lips give warm kisses and can still form words that bring laughter and joy to others — wise counsel and cautionary tales

My hips, legs and feet can still move although a little more deliberate under the weight, but I can still shimmy and shake like the best of them- when my bones and body are warm and the music is good

I asked other seasoned souls to be better to their bodies, don’t just moisturize Massage those weary bones and joints Take time to stretch and sweat while you still can Let someone love you even in your imperfect state

I’m sorry I did not have the courage or self-worth to deem myself worthy when I was younger

But I do now!

I am worthy and capable of giving and receiving love, not just body but mind and my soul, too

Because without a lighter and loving spirit, my body will not be willing to do the things that I must do

I am consciously aware of my limitations, as I depend on my mind to do what my body is scared, unsure or unwilling when standing and walking are daunting

I realize my voice has strengthened, quickened by my nimble mind and spirit and I’m more patient to find solutions when my body needs rest

So as a wiser, seasoned woman I apologize to my younger self and I forgive her for not knowing what she did not know, that age does not stop

It is a sneaky frenemy and it will catch us all, but in that sad revelation, wisdom, courage and knowledge increases to a point where your shame diminishes on what your body can no longer do

You acknowledge your limitations and adapt — but never accept defeat

I love the older me and I mourn the ignorance of my past and usher in a new era of self-love and acceptance as I walk a little slower, but bring love and wisdom to new places, spaces and welcome new experiences in my life

This is my Ode To Growing Old — I may be weary at times, but I’m always Worthy and so happy it took me 40+ years to finally see it