Trees have a way of teaching, by virtue of their existence.

They adapt to life’s storms with stalwart resilience.

They stand… until they can’t.

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A recent TV commercial defined smooth as the “new young”  (which was followed by a momentary twinge… and a hearty laugh.)

Not knocking it… not scoffing, either.  It all depends on the source of your definitions.

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been smooth since I was a baby.  (Even with a liberal dose of spackling compound, I’d be hard-pressed…)

A visit to the Lightning Tree confirmed my reality.

As I admired its gnarled presence, my “old” friend reminded me that aging is an inevitable process.

The truth is: aging can’t be reversed.  It happens whether you acknowledge it or not.  It occurs in spite of attempts to delay it.

(Note:  The disclaimer at the end of the ad stated that the product reduces the appearance of aging.)  Nothing to get hysterical about.

Simply the truth.

There’s nothing wrong with a few crunches or throwing a little paint on the ol’ barn.  I’m a firm believer in taking care of what you’ve got.

But, I also know life’s lightning bolts eventually take their toll… and, sometimes they leave a mess.

(I’m learning to live with the mess.)

The idea of being weathered has grown on me.

It’s comforting.

Appealing…

When I got back to the house, I consulted another “old friend” for the definition of young.  (One who went to college with me almost forty years ago… my favorite dictionary.)  It said:

“Recently come into being.”

Which can happen at any age.

Hallelujah.

Granted, I’ll take care of what I’ve got, but I refuse to fret about it.

Thank you, my wise, beautiful, young/”old” friend.

I’m resolved to stand… until I can’t.

Enjoying stalwart resilience,

~ Kim

What lessons have you learned about aging?

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