On Reaching Eighty Years

“One of the many pleasures of old age is giving things up.”

Malcolm Muggeridge

Muggeridge was a British journalist and his words caused me to ponder. Yes, it is a time to give things up. If some activity is no longer fun or you feel the focus has changed–let it go. Freedom and peace are the rewards.

That is not to say you should quit all activities. After all, exercise of both mind and body are important in staving off the plagues and pains of old age. Being curious and interested in new interests helps the mind to stay active.

Muggeridge also said, ” Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream.” That comment has a lot to examine also. Even in old age, life will offer choices, to go along with the flow or to stand up and speak out for what you have learned, and what you have to offer from your years of experience.

Do You have trouble choosing your activities? I do because there are many choices out there. I’ve given up some volunteer work, but there is much to do in the day-to-day, help-your-neighbors kind of way. I’ve tried Mah-Jong, although I am not nearly as sharp as I’d like to be. I’ve tried more challenging knitting projects, etc. I’ve also given myself permission to chill and binge on a Netflix series once in a while.

That is the letting go part–not feeling like I’m being lazy or that my mom is behind me saying, “Did you finish your cleaning, project, writing?” You name it.

I’m definitely trading the expression “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) for “Joy of Missing Out” (JOMO). I shouldn’t have to feel guilty if I skip an exercise class or opt out of an outing with friends, right?

I’m eighty, healthy, happy and doing the best life that I can with God’s help.