Aging with Grace

For after all, the best thing we can do when it is raining is let it rain.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

After a relatively mild winter, during the last few days, we have had several inches of snow. Winters here are generally mild. Whatever snow we get is gone within a few days and the sun is shining again. I grew up in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where it begins snowing in November and the snow continues to pile up until spring arrives. Consequently, I feel guilty when I complain about winter in my current circumstances. Not to say that it stops me from complaining. I just do so with some remorse.

I recently read a mediation about acceptance. That reminded me of a line in a movie about acceptance being key. I racked my brain until I remembered it was from the 2003 movie, As Good as it Gets, with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicolson. Then I heard something on television about the term, acceptance is key, used in Alcoholics Anonymous. I’ve mentioned before in my posts when something comes up over and over I try to pay attention. It has been my experience that what starts as a whisper in my ear can become a slap across my head, if I choose to ignore the message.

Acceptance is not my strong suit. My stance is usually one of defiance. I will fight and fight until I am too exhausted to go on and give up when I have no other options. Not my finest quality, I will admit. Occasionally, it can be useful. Unfortunately, in many cases, it’s not helpful. Introspection comes with age, I believe. As long as we are alive, change is still possible. Not a foregone conclusion, but still possible.