The Advantages of Age
“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”
- George Burns
Getting older is often viewed with fear and negativity. We are surrounded by images of youth and beauty, leading many of us to worry about the inevitable passage of time. Let me give you a different point of view: Aging is not a curse but a privilege. The gift of getting older allows us to accumulate knowledge, gain perspective, and forge unforgettable memories. Embracing the aging journey can make us stronger and enable us to live a life of excitement and enjoyment.
I remember at one point in my life when I wished I was older, that I could bypass what I perceived as the hard lessons of life in front of me. How wrong I was to wish away all of that. The lessons I learned and the people I met and worked with made my life so enjoyable that I feel I have lived several lifetimes.
Knowledge: The Wisdom of Experience
As we “mature”, we gather knowledge that no textbook or classroom can teach. Each year brings new lessons, some simple and some hard-earned. No matter how life gives us these lessons, they will shape our understanding of the world and the people we come into contact with. We learn about relationships, career challenges, and personal growth. We discover what truly matters in life: love, kindness, and resilience.
This wealth of knowledge gives us the tools to solve the questions that come into our lives. Instead of being afraid of the physical changes that show the wear and tear that life gives us, let’s enjoy the wisdom that comes with every line on our faces. Each mark tells a story—of our battles, our failures, but most of all, our perseverance that allowed us to still be standing.
I look at the “teachers in my life”—my parents, Ed Lenius, Dr. George Morgan, Mike Woicik, and Vince Anderson—and I am very thankful for the time they gave to help me along my path. Without them, I have no idea how my life would have been different. The one thing that I do know is that the lessons they gave me made my path a little straighter and smoother.
Perspective: A Broader View on Life
With age comes perspective, the ability to see beyond the surface. The hustle and bustle that makes up our youth fades into clarity as we learn to prioritize what truly matters. We begin to appreciate the small joys: a child's laughter, a sunset's brilliance, or the warmth of a friend’s kind words.
Aging allows us to look back on our experiences and recognize patterns in life that younger generations may still be trying to traverse along their journey. This broader view gives depth to our lives and enables us to help others as they move through, what is, familiar issues that we once struggled with. By sharing our scars and stories, we can help younger individuals understand that what they see as a failure are often just the price that we all pay as we move towards future success.
As a motivational speaker, I talk about being “gifted” by getting cancer, having my head split in half by a chicken house fan, being born with a physical handicap, or developing a speech impediment after losing my front teeth at an early age. People are amazed that I find these life-changing events as being gifted. I can assure you that at the time, I didn’t see the gift; I could only see the struggle that I had to push through every day. However, with time and perspective, the truth of each event was that I was better prepared for the trials I was forced to endure. I learned that I could have quit, but because I didn’t, I flourished and used the “bump in the road” as a speaking point to lift someone else going through a similar situation.
Memories: The Living Testament of Our Lives
Memories are the mental images and soundtrack of our lives. We celebrate new adventures, moments shared with loved ones, and milestones each year. These events become cherished treasures that bring laughter, tears, and comfort as our clocks count down toward the end of our fantastic game.
Since we don’t know how much time we have on our clocks, we shouldn’t look back at the past with regret, but we must celebrate the successes we created over time. Our experiences shape who we are and connect us with others in ways that transcend simple interactions. As we gain perspective, we have more opportunities to create lasting memories through travel, a new profession, or simply enjoying quiet moments with friends.
As I look out over my patio and backyard as I write or sit with friends in person or on the phone, I am reminded of the times that were the spice in my life. Growing up in a midwestern community that allowed me to hop on my bike early in the morning and not return home until dinner time was a fantastic blessing. The people I grew up with and who I shared with the struggles of adolescence, college, and my early years of coaching are unforgettable memories that always make me smile.
I will never forget the memories of all the coaches I worked with and the players I was fortunate to have coached. The losses weigh heavy, but the wins always shine through. Ultimately, no matter how the game ended, the memories always outlived the final score.
Because of all these memories, I can’t wait to make new ones that will rival the ones I have been blessed to have lived.
Enjoying the Journey
Aging is not something to be feared; it is an opportunity for growth and connection. Each stage of life offers unique gifts that contribute to our personal evolution. By embracing the passing of years as a journey filled with knowledge, perspective, and memories, we can transform how we view ourselves and inspire those around us.
Stop worrying about what social media, television, or magazines say. Live a life that celebrates your achievements, acknowledges your struggles, and revels in the life that you have lived up to this point.
Don’t Stop Living
Remember: every wrinkle tells a story, and every gray hair signifies wisdom earned through experience. Let’s celebrate aging together as a gift that not everyone receives. It is a testament to living fully in this beautiful journey called life.
If I could change anything as I look back, I think I would change my approach to savoring the good times more. I was in such a hurry to see what was around the next turn or what the next season held in store that I missed out on really enjoying the time I had with the people who walked with me along this journey. Live every minute of your life to its fullest because we only get one chance to do this right.
Have an amazing day!
