I have recently been taken to task for referring to myself as an old woman. It’s time to define terms.
By old lady I mean I have come to a time in my life when I know the following:
- · It’s pointless to give a rat’s ass about what anyone thinks of me. I have a difficult enough time deciphering what will help ME be happy, why on earth would I waste time fretting about what others think?
- · A smile and kind word are easier to accomplish than a frown and a rebuke.
- · Every dog I ever loved will be waiting for me when I cross over into the next world.
- · It is neither my responsibility nor my mission to change anyone else. Therefore, I am delighted to exchange opinions in the sure knowledge that the truth is far bigger than either you or I can possibly imagine.
- · Everything I’ve ever thought, dreamed, or struggled for is a fleeting absurdity and a vanity.
- · I’m under no obligation to be consistent in my thoughts, words, or actions. I’m serious. Consistency truly IS the hobgoblin of small minds. (Yes, I misquoted Emerson. Gave you excuse to Google the correct quote and now you get to feel, if only momentarily, superior. Don’t thank me. It’s my little gift to you. And, just so you understand. I KNOW how you feel because I do the exact same thing and experience the exact same feeling of superiority. Again. You’re welcome)
- · Love really is the only thing in the world that matters.
- · Aeschylus was right. No matter how deeply buried we may be in despair, the awful grace of God finds us.
- · Humor is the best teacher.
- · My dog understands every word I say and every thought that flits through my brain. He may translate the meaning somewhat differently than I, but the dog GETS me.
- · Being either afraid or guilty is an incredible waste of time.
- · Being old is far better than being young. Being old is wild freedom and untarnished joy and the growing anticipation of being with God.
So, when you hear me call myself an old woman, do not picture a rocking chair and a shawl. Imagine, instead, a wild woman, purple-streaked gray hair flying, arms lifted to the sky, a grin as wide as joy and one harebrained plan or another flooding her brain.
Pamela Foster, Author and Speaker 
Humor is awesome! AND your enthusiasm is young and so are you! Age and maturity are great considering the alternative. Glad you’re a Punchyish person…stay laughing okay?
This is a thank you from this old broad, who stands right beside you, and the one thing you said that rings more true than anything else. Love is all that matters.
I’m going to print this out and put it in my office, as a reminder of what I have to look forward to when I finally become an old woman. Never before have I looked forward to it, but now, thanks to you, dear friend, I do. It’s not that I haven’t reached the age. It’s just, it seems I’ve been flunking some classes and haven’t yet met all my requirements. One day, I’ll graduate. 🙂 Love you!
Check. Check. Check. Oh, and add that WORRYING is also a waste of time! Check.
Thanks!
Leave just a little room for us old men to stand beside you! Some of us have gotten to the same place as you, we just took a different path to get there.
Yee-haw, Pam! I’ll be right by your side, red hair in need of a dye job, arm flab swinging from side to side, and laughing like a loon as we schme and plan, and tell everyone who judges us to, “kiss our ass!”
Ditto you and Velda B – Love IS all there is! Thanks for the reminder. And happy Val’s Day!
I’ve thought about a sprig of purple, then I thought chartreuse, now I’m leaning toward hot pink. The only downside is my fishing buddy would probably try to clip it out, tie it to a hook, and make a fishing jig. Of course, if he caught something on it then we’d both have to die our hair, mow it off and make a whole bunch of jigs. It’s amazing how one thing always leads to another.