Monday, September 24, 2012

Am I Selfish?

A    L    O    H    A   !


" Aging 
is not lost youth 
but a new stage 
of opportunity 
and strength. "

Betty Friedan










" To keep the heart 
unwrinkled, 
to be hopeful,
 kindly, cheerful, 
reverent--
that is to triumph 
over old age. "

 Thomas Bailey Aldrich











" The best part 
about being 
my age
 is in knowing 
how my life 
worked out. "

 Scott Adams








" Nothing is inherently
 and invincibly young 
except spirit. 
And spirit can enter
 a human being 
perhaps better
 in the quiet of old age 
and dwell there
 more undisturbed
 than in the turmoil
 of adventure. "

George Santayana





" For the unlearned, old age is winter;
 for the learned,
 it is the season of 
the harvest. "

Hasidic saying



   ><}}(°>



Ever since childhood
I have been passionate
about "old" people.

Passionate in my appreciation,
of their sheer survival
and all that they have seen.
 
I have always found them
"Cool."

Even a simple person
who lives to be 'aged'
is blessed,
possessing a knowing
that the smartest youth
cannot understand.

Anyone who cheats,
harms, or misleads a senior
is the lowest form of life
in my eyes.
 

But now I face a dilemma:
to defend seniors
is beginning to
look an awful lot
like defending my own
interests.
 
I've always been more 
comfortable
advocating for others
than selling for myself.
 
Is it OK for me to feel
that I am one
of those due respect?
 
Is it OK to think of myself
with that same appreciation,
or am I exempt,
the only one NOT
worthy of it
to myself?
 
I'm reminded of the story,
of the woman aged 93
who spent her days
volunteering at the senior center.
 
"Why don't you relax?"
she was asked.
 
Her reply?
 
"Well who would help
the old people?!"

So I too will continue
to advocate
for "them."

While You & I
stay forever young
through fields of 'blog'
we run together
hand in hand.

Laughing.

 
'Take Peace & Laughs - Leave Your Comment'

Thanks for visiting!
                      Warmly,
cloudia
 
"Age is an issue of
mind over matter.
 If you don't mind,
 it doesn't matter."

 Mark Twain

29 comments:

  1. To keep the heart
    unwrinkled,
    to be hopeful,
    kindly, cheerful,
    reverent--
    that is to triumph
    over old age. "

    Thomas Bailey Aldrich

    Love it!

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  2. I was thinking about aging myself this morning. Thinking that the years seem long when you are living them, but much much shorter when you're reliving.

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  3. i say live life .. enjoy everything you can while you can

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  4. Inspiring for me Cloudia as I rapidly approach my eightieth birthday.

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  5. Beautiful pictures Claudia!
    I always enjoy life, it only takes a minute.
    Always try to help where it can, then you have a good life.
    A nice week.
    Greetings Irma

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  6. Fabulous quotes to go with your delicious photos!

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  7. Wonderful quotes, beautiful photos! Keep advocating for those who need the help!

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  8. Such worthy quotes this morning, Cloudia! I too have always enjoyed listening to the tales of those older and wiser then me, and of so many ages. I also believe all people and all living things, are due respect! May the stars of ancient bearings always guide us-Karen

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  9. That's the joy you see..however old we get, there will always be someone older for us to look out for oui! I'm always appalled when I hear about attacks on old people, such dreadful cowards these culprits are.

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  10. Nice quotes! And love that first picture! : )

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  11. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  12. My birthday is tomorrow. This post could not be more inspiring to me. Thank you so much and please keep on advocating for us.

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  13. I am one of them.... Beautiful quotes and photos.

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  14. You will never be old...your spirit shines with a child-like illuminosity!! Xoxoxoxo

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  15. You are right on the money. I LOVE this post. Anyone who disrespects the elderly ought to be put before the firing squad. Your spirit shines forever. And, yes, YOU are WORTHY. Know that sweety. Cheers!!

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  16. Thank you for this great reminder of life and time.

    Please have you all a good Tuesday.

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  17. YOU should see my smile
    after YOUR amazing comments!



    thanks SO much

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  18. No-one who gives us as much of herself as you do, each and every post can be considered selfish. You rock.

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  19. There is one statement my father-in-law keeps repeating, when you get old you become invisible. Like you I love being around older people, have done ever since my parents older friends used to visit our home when I was a child. And now I am gradually catching up :)

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  20. Yes, Cloudia, YOU DO deserve and should get respect, even though I remain in denial that we're anywhere near "oldish" yet. I see your "pink froggie" flower has popped up again to "ribbit" at us with his clear, all-seeing, reflective big eyes! If I get the chance to slow down, most of my older patients have amazing stories. You're doing a dandy duty spreading so much spirit-filled aloha around the world. You should be a Cabinet member. DrumMajor

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  21. Is it OK for me to feel
    that I am one
    of those due respect?

    No, it isn't. You are due respect not for
    having gathered years, but for having gathered years in a kind, considerate and respectful manner.

    Another age related saying of my own: age is what you make it. Spirit is all. Heart and kindness follow a close second (combined).

    I didn't want to make you cry. You make me cry when you speak of your eternal summer. Actually, maybe not. I like the seasons, dear Cloudia.

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  22. lovely to honor age as you have here

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  23. I love thinking of this time in our lives as a season of harvest. It's true if you can manage it. I just hope we can maintain our health to enjoy it.

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  24. Your page is so refreshing and uplifting, Cloudia. Another great post.

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  25. Thank you for these wise words. Being old is not bad, as long as the mind is young and you are always interested in new things. Have a great day, Cloudia!

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  26. I want to believe aging is not necessarily a depressing stage in life ....

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