Inktober Day 5: The Name of the Game

When asked how she felt about aging gracefully, Betty White made this comment in 2021. She passed away later that year. Her words are today’s quote!

So you may not be as fast on your feet, and the image in your mirror may be a little disappointing, but if you are still functioning and not in pain then GRATITUDE should be the name of the game.”

-Betty White

We put incredible pressure on our selves to be perfect all the time. We have to perform well, look fabulous, and maintain our youth as long as we can. We spend hours getting ready, hundreds of hours staying in shape, thousands of dollars using the right products to reduce the sign of aging…when in reality we all age! If we are fortunate, we age…the alternative in death. I’ll take aging!

Aging gracefully comes with fabulous stories, wisdom to share, and a life built on decisions that no longer have to be made. Age brings us the ability to sit back and listen as others struggle with things we have already overcome or survived. Age allows us to smile with a sly glint in our eyes as we listen to teenagers muddle through their first love. And age gives us the gift of hindsight, experience and expertise in many areas in which we would have preferred to be a novice. To reach the age you are today, let’s face it, not everyone makes it that far!

So why do we spend so much time trying to be something that we are glad to have survived and moved beyond? Being young is a lot of work. It can be exhausting to spend years figuring out who you want to be and how to get there. We are past that in many ways, and yet still are discovering who we want to be at this stage in life. Aging is not for sissies…it takes guts, being tough, daring and bold to get this far.

Let us look in the mirror and give thanks for every line, every blemish, scar or wrinkle that came from laughter and tears. We are all beautiful and unique, and blessed to still be alive and breathing. If you listen to my voicemail you hear this message…a day above ground is a good day! It’s true! Let us take Betty’s advice and allow gratitude to be the name of the game we focus on today…and everyday. With that attitude we can conquer anything we see or hear AND make this day above ground a good day!