Aging with Grace

I would like too be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg

Spring at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Few of us will ever rise to the heights of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. We may never reach the pinnacle of our career we had hoped for. In fact if we are retired, that ship might have sailed long ago.This isn’t about that.

There was a time in my life when if you asked me what career path I wish I had taken, I would have said I wanted a doctorate in Art History, so that I could teach and write. That did not happen and I can tell you it isn’t going to happen. That doesn’t mean I can’t make a positive impact on what is happening around me. No matter our age or place in life we can use whatever abilities we have to live a life that matters. We can choose to make a difference in our own lives and the life of others.

How do we live our life to the best of our ability? When we look at the remainder of our lives what do we want accomplish? What legacy do we want to leave? You don’t have to become a Supreme Court Justice to use whatever talent you have to the best of your ability. You can make an impact on what is happening around you. What about being a good parent or spouse, giving back to the community you live in, being a good citizen, a good neighbor. If you can effect one person’s life that will live on long after you’re gone.

While you are using your considerable talent to make a difference around you, don’t forget about yourself. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. You can’t contribute to the good of others if you are not at your best. Do it for yourself and for those around you.