Embarking on my journey to discover the older me
I am experiencing a quantum transition as I identify myself as an “older.” Older is a term that Ashton Applewhite coined in her book, This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Aging. Sounds radical, doesn’t it? I’m trying on wearing a cloak of radicalism. I’m not carrying a picket sign shouting at rallies …. yet. What I am doing is finding my new voice as older.
I’ve been on a two-year journey moving from inner silent rumblings to playfully stating what I’m up to now. When I first wrote “a cloak of radicalism,” I felt radical. Now I dress myself in colorful outfits that radiate play.
Some steps of my journey into the unknown feel like Indiana Jones moments . The more steps I take the more comfortable I’ve grown though fear twinges of varying intensity in my stomach happen. When they do, I remember to breathe, stand tall and I’m ready to take another step. I ask myself what do I want? Then I can choose. So far none of my choices are life threatening. On the contrary they are aliveness producing. I feel more alive. I am more alive.
What are you choosing?