I turn 50 next week. I got home from work today and what did I find in my mailbox? A letter from those bastards at the AARP with my name on it. Anyway, it got me thinking about how much has changed for me in the last 20 years, and especially the last 5. I used to be so fit, mountaineering, rock climbing, backpacking, all kinds of shit. I feel like not only a different person now, but a different fucking species. I’ve gained weight, I’m on blood pressure medication, I had my first colonoscopy this year (clean as a whistle!), and at best I get my kayak out a few times a year to do some fishing. Gone are the days when I’d spontaneously drive up to Mt Adams or Mt Hood, sprint up and back down the fuckers, and be home in time for happy hour. Gone are the days when my friend and I would on a whim pack up the car and drive to BC to go ice climbing simply because conditions were good. Nowadays, the most spontaneous thing I do is have my five o’clock-tail an hour early or make deviled eggs for breakfast on a Saturday morning.
I will say the biggest positive is how much less I give a shit about most things. People get so worked up over stupid shit. The older I get, the more I recognize what’s truly meaningful, and that list is pretty short.
Anyway, how’s getting old going for y’all? Please share!
I’ve also had that awakening. But I’m positive that when I express something of that to a different generation the reaction is something like “grumpy, out of touch, old fart”
honestly it hasnt even really hit me, but experiencing the passing of family members, my grandpa, friends has all made it clear to me that our time is limited and not worth wasting on hanging on to things in the past/grudges etc.
starting to get some greys, getting tired before midnight, staying up late for multiple nights adds up way faster. recovery for all ailments/wounds/scars etc all take way longer. can’t eat whole large double cheese and pep pizza in one sitting anymore booo
me too on the 4th - i been telling eveyrone i am fifty all year just to get used to it - and the only things that get me worked up are my kids and the unfairness of it all etc etc otherwise its all a gift
