I figured out what growing up really is, at least for me.
(I had a hard time calling it aging)
“I think I am aging, but I’m enjoying the process.” Sharon Stone
It’s loving the feeling of being comfortable with who you are.
It’s loving the liberation of living a more intentional life.
For me, growing up boils down to a much clearer sense of “I want to” and “I don’t want to”.
“With aging, you earn the right to be loyal to yourself.” Frances McDormand
That certainty then translates to changes in how I live my life.
I say no to things more easily because I don’t want to spend my time doing things that don’t interest me.
I relax and be myself because I don’t want to have to please people so they will like me.
I respect my body, so I do things that make it feel strong and fit. I eat food that nourishes it because I want it to carry me for a long long time.
I choose more gentle forms of exercise Yoga, cycling, water skiing, gardening, walking. I don’t want to exercise until I feel like I am going to barf or pass out.
I make time for my family and my friends, and I look at the beauty in nature because I don’t want to miss a minute of the richness of life.
I send a lot of texts just to say hi, I clear my calendar when my kids are home, and I randomly send emails to people I haven’t seen in a long time because I want people to know I care about them.
I eat healthy food, I exercise, and I meditate because I want to feel good. I take care of myself.
I reject most common beliefs about aging and health because I don’t want to self fulfill a prophesy.
We’re all growing up all the time.
In the end, we have to be okay with that.
Go ahead and choose to enjoy its perks!
As always, I wish you all the best!
I made a 5-day Guide to Mastering Happiness, and it’s yours for free! Click here to get the guide for free!
Visit me at www.christinebradstreet.com
Originally published at medium.com