Who is this guy in the mirror?
Confronting the reality of aging
By Jim LaJoie
Recently I saw an article in Psychology Today that resonated with me. The article discusses the discrepancy between how we appear versus how we perceive ourselves. We may perceive ourselves to still be young in appearance, but a look in the mirror will dissuade us from that. The article also discusses the need to prepare yourself for getting older. (Here is a link to the article: psychology today)
As we have written here at Greybeard Journal, we believe in not allowing ourselves to “get old.” By that, we mean staying relevant. However, no matter how vital your older lives may be, there is no escaping the physical changes that have befallen us all. We likely have picked up a few pounds over the years, become a bit softer, may have less hair (and that we still have has turned silver), do not quite have the same energy level, have more aches and pains and possibly even more serious physical issues.
There are times when I look in the mirror and wonder where time went. But I then remember that I am still kicking, still have things I want to accomplish, people in my life I continue enjoying spending time with. That makes the old guy in the mirror less threatening, the sudden shock of seeing me differently than how I perceive myself becomes a comfortable recognition of the journey I have taken, and continue to.
My appearance will continue to change as (hopefully) days become weeks then months then years. I will look differently in my 70s than I do now in my 60s, even more so in my 80s. I have come to terms with that. I may remember my younger self, but more comfortable in the skin of my older self.
So, next time I see that old guy staring back at me, I will remember that I have lived a life, one with ups and downs, but one worth continuing. I have earned those lines in my face, have fond memories of my thick head of hair, my slimmer self. It is all part of the journey that is life. That journey continues, so I have much to be grateful for.
About the author: Jim LaJoie resides in North Carolina.