Top ten best things about growing older

Who gives a crap how silly you look?

They say that old age brings wisdom. I suppose that's true. But I think it's more about life experience and the resulting growth. Here's ten things life has brought me in my middle years that I didn't fully understand before. Oh, I knew all the little sayings. They just seem to ring more true now and have a deeper significance.

When you grow older, as a general rule:

10. You care less about the petty things in life.

-You don't throw tantrums because your socks don't match. You don't take issue with your good china being used on the wrong occasion. In fact, you use it every day because otherwise, what's the point in having it? So what if the hairdresser got a little too scissor happy? Life goes on and so will you. You're alive and well. Your loved ones are alive and well. And if they're not, you help them through it. That's all that matters.

9. You care more about the important things in life.

-The big things matter. That's where your focus is now. Compassion, strength of character, love, your impact on future generations and the planet in general, the people you love and stuff like that. These things become your focal point. Isn't it great to feel that you're making a positive difference?

8. The pressure to look good naked or in swimwear is off.

-OK, so it's mainly because no one is looking or they've seen it all before. But still, isn't it nice to be able to relax a bit on that score? Especially if you're a woman. Oh sure, you still try to look your best but bikinis are pretty much out and chances are, unless you're a superstar, your body has seen better days. People don't really expect grandma to rock a thong at the beach. So, you're off the hook. Enjoy it!

7. You stop giving a crap what other people think.

-I'm probably the champion of this one. All my life I've been a liberal, kind of a quirky/weird/crazy tree hugging, hippie vegetarian. Now I'm going vegan as well. I've also got a big mouth and I'm not afraid to use it. So lot's of people take issue with me or tell me to tone it down. I used to listen and back off, for the sake of peace. But now I say, “Fuck all” if they don't like the way I do things. Being a people-pleaser/peacemaker just doesn't suit me any more.

6. You've screwed up a lot.

-Therefore, knowing which path to choose is much easier. Of course, that sometimes leads to a know it all attitude like mine. But hey, nobody's perfect. We're all just here trying to do our best, after all. There's no science to life. You just live and learn and grow the best you can, right?

5. You don't have to hurry any more.

-Isn't it fun watching everyone else run around like crazed zombies on crack trying to “Find themselves or “Be all that they can be?” Ha! I get such a kick out of it. Why rush to the grave or to your goals for that matter? When you reach middle age one of the best things is slowing down. You stop to smell all the roses. You don't even mind a few thorns here and there. You've been there and done that. You're perfectly content with where you are. If not, well, you know how to get where you're going without all the crazy. Plus, you have what it takes to really rock it if you need to.

4. Appreciating the small things isn't just a cutesy phrase.

-By now, you've learned that some of the best things in life don't involve money or success. So, finding joy in small activities and observations is a reality that you cherish and utilize daily. You sit on the porch and sip lemonade while listening to the birdies. You calmly slap paint on life's canvas, reveling in the experience. You see/feel the joy in all things very deeply. More importantly, you have accepted the fact that negativity and struggle are an important part of life as well.

3. You have in your head the perspectives of every age you have ever been to draw on.

-You have known the innocence and curiosity of a child, the angst of a teen, the frustrations of a young parent, the sadness of losing loved ones too soon and so much more. Maybe you've even had the chance to do a little hell raising. No matter what someone is going through, you can empathize with them because you've been there.

2. You also better understand your parents and grandparents.

-It's you who must take care of them now and you're better equipped to do it. They were there for you and now it's your turn to do the same for them. That takes strength, courage and all the life experience that you now have.

1. You have learned to smile through many storms.

-Perhaps this is the most important gift that growing older gives us. Finding/utilizing joy and laughter to get us through the rough spots is a valuable by-product of old age. For example, my older brother is very religious and always wishing that I were as well. He once told me jokingly, during a time of sadness that he had a great idea. He said that since I'm an atheist, maybe if I prayed on that struggle, God would more readily answer my prayers. This gave us both a good laugh when we needed one most.

But seriously folks, no matter your age, the love, joy and laughter are inside you. The appreciation for small things is too. You just have to find it and make use of it. Every minute is a blessing and a lesson. Your physical appearance is insignificant in the scheme of things. You have the power to make a difference in the lives of others. That's all that matters. Live life well. Leave a legacy of caring, compassion, strength and support. Most of all, teach others to do the same (by example, not threat/violence) and the world will be a better place all around.