Aging is surreal. After you turn 25, things start moving faster and faster. Aging never stops. It keeps creeping up on you, reminding you to live life, do you, stay on track, and make sure every choice counts and works for you, not against you.
Personal Reflection
As I quickly inch closer to my third decade of living, I realize I am no longer 20, a teen, or a kid by looks, but I still hold all of the memories and kid-like interests near and dear to my heart. However, I do not wish to go back; I only wish to go forward from here, and for that, I am enormously grateful.
I never felt my age — even as a kid. I always felt older, which is why I felt I enjoyed being around older folks more than the younger folks — to this day. I viewed mentors as friends and enjoyed the company, wisdom, and stories that my elders held so dear. There is too much to learn from those who have experienced life longer than I have, so why not take full advantage and soak up their experiences and vicariously live and absorb them?
A Few Lessons I’ve Learned Along The Way
I get older every single day, and here are some things I have noticed that has changed through the years:
I eat less sugar. Because of my own physical checks and balances, my body rejects sugar after a certain point. I also crave it less frequently.
It feels best to stretch consistently.
I can’t work for hours on end on a computer — sitting down — without negative repercussions.
I let go of relationships more easily — especially whack ones.
I let go of offenses more easily — bitterness and unforgiveness don’t serve me well.
I accept people for who they are more easily, and I don’t try to change people anymore. Codependency is too much work, and it has always done one thing — it drains the energy and life out of whoever struggles with it.
I thoroughly enjoy being financially independent and prefer paying my own way in life, but I still accept help, gifts, and goodwill from others — always.
I do me more often — even if that person is everything society is against.
I never stay at companies that suck the soul, life, and spirit out of me. I was always good at quickly leaving toxic companies.
I question everything, including my desires, motives, habits, past decisions, and relationships.
I embrace spirituality more consistently; it’s a must.
Stoicism is a necessary and daily practice for my life.
“Holistic” Health Matters
Many of the habits and decisions I implement now will affect my overall health later on. Hence, I must remain mindful — in all of my decisions — to increase my longevity.
When I speak on health, I always refer to holistic health (e.g., emotional, financial, mental, physical, and spiritual). When it comes to health, it’s all about the decisions you make regularly. You can always gain insight into your level of health by reflecting on a few things.
Things to Reflect On
The quality of my relationships
Do I have firm and healthy boundaries?
Are there any addictions present in my life?
Do I have positive outlets and hobbies I regularly engage in?
Am I on track financially, or am I deluged in debt and habits that require me to live above my means?
Do I have healthy outlets and people I can express myself emotionally?
Is my spirit vibrant or desolate?
Are my days enjoyable and meaningful?
Does my career/job align with my values, and is my work meaningful?
Am I overweight?
Do I eat overall healthily and engage in habitual physical exertion?
Do I get my annual physicals, bi-annual dentist appointments, etc.?
Am I where I want to be in life?
Am I satisfied with the life choices I regularly make?
These are a few questions to ask yourself, which will more than likely spark other questions you need to ask yourself to complete your holistic health check.
Some Final Thoughts On Aging
I think the best way to age is to laugh, be fun, and maintain the kid in you (as my mother often says).
Investing in family and relationships should become more of a priority as time goes by, but many of us often take too long to realize this; the earlier you realize this truth, the more enriching, meaningful, and invaluable your life will be.
Finally, remember to enjoy the ride, and never stop doing things you did as a kid merely because you’re a little older. Maintain youthfulness from the core of your heart and soul, and you will look and feel youthful.
Things I Still Do Now That I’m Older
Watch cartoons and animations.
Go on roller-coasters.
Play practical jokes on my family and friends.
Take extra-long naps like babies, dogs, and children.
Play with adult dogs and puppies — often.
Eat cotton candy ice cream — the same one I’ve been eating since kid-times.
Related Reads
Destiny S. Harris is a writer, poet, entrepreneur, teacher, and techie who offers free books daily on amazon. Destiny obtained three degrees in political science, psychology, and women’s studies. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or @ destinyh.com