Aging

Our world seems to be missing the joy and beauty of staying connected with our elders.  Sure, there are programs that one can find to tap into someone with experience and knowledge but we tend to forget them.  I am happy to see mentoring projects popping up.  You can volunteer to mentor a child at school, you can have a coach for physical training and I am sure somewhere on the internet you can get information and mentoring you need for just about anything.  But we still seem to be forgetting that the experience of others can be just as valuable if not more.
Entering the phase of life where I am now the "senior" in any group situation is scary.  It reminds me of my mortality and I want to make sure I live each moment to the fullest.  That I am productive, respected and yet still open to learning.
Years ago I found this quote and have it taped to my desk:

"Imagine us accorded admiration and respect as we age.  That as we become older, we are sought out for our wisdom and our knowledge.  Consider the potential of collective transformative energy as we age with grace, honor and vision."

I want to harness the collective energy of those around me.  I want to have vision, to not live in the past but see a future of possibilities and dreams.  I want the experiences of life to fill me with potential and understanding.  With that comes respecting others around you.  Being "older" doesn't give someone the right to be disrespectful or the right to voice your opinion.  I was at an appointment yesterday and the lady near me didn't hear her name being called (and trust me she wasn't even 70 yet) and when she finally realized it she was so mean to the office staff.  She ranted on and on about how they should have made eye contact with her and how they should have walked over to the area where SHE was sitting, etc.   I hear it all the time and it bothers me.  There is no free pass to be hateful, opinionated or hurtful  because you have reached a certain age.

We all should age with grace, honor and vision.  and we are ALL aging!