The podcast host was interviewing a young author about her new book. I was casually listening while driving to the store, wondering if this author’s book would be a new reason for Amazon Prime to come to our home.
But then I experienced a “You’ve got to be kidding me!” moment while completely forgetting about her book.
The young woman being interviewed was talking about her high school experience — 15 years earlier. Did you catch that? She was in high school 15 years ago. She coyly remarked, “That was when I was young! Let’s not talk about how many years ago that was!” And then she added a giggle and a tee-hee.
The giggle and the tee-hee was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It SOUNDED young.
I could feel my annoyance start to churn. I looked at the car’s radio knobs and said a little too loudly to the young girl whom I could not see, “YOU ARE NOT OLD!”
Yes, I know. Quite the strong reaction.
I was struggling to wrap my brains around the fact that someone with an age that begins with a 3 is old. Have mercy. I think that joking about being old is a privilege reserved for those of us whose age is at the high end of double digits, and we’ve earned our laugh lines.
Yup. That little interview just got me going. I considered pulling over and ranting at the radio for a bit, but decided that was just plain silly. Besides, drivers passing me would wonder who on earth I was talking to, right? No need for police to get involved with the annoyed women shouting in her car at the radio on the side of the road.
Instead, I took a deep breath and summoned up Grace and Understanding and Compassion.
First, I needed to give that young woman on the radio a break. She was probably nervous. And even though she’s in her 30’s, maybe she does feel old right now. Bless her.
Second, I needed to take a giant leap away from the self-pity party that was tickling at my emotions and the escalating focus on how aging doesn’t always look good on me.
Third, I needed to shut down that judgmental voice that had connected with the words coming from my car radio. My reaction was a bit dramatic. Good grief.
Finally, I remembered that when I’m feeling old (AKA frumpy, worn out, out of touch, in a rut, “best days are behind me,” blah, blah, blah,) I can choose to reset my heart and my mind. Kick the sides out of that rut I’m in, take a deep breath, put on a clean pair of sweatpants, and make something happen!
Girlfriend, lean in here and let’s remind each other of something really, really important …
We are not too old.
We are not too old to …
Play. Laugh. Work. Right some wrongs. Use our voice. Try something new. Dance. Make a difference. Love.
Yes, whether we are 33, 97, or somewhere in between, there are going to be days we feel old. So may I suggest … Notice that feeling, but then move on. Life is short. Don’t miss the moment because you can’t do the burpee exercise, or your thighs jiggle, or your face isn’t dewy.
Live. Fully. Right where you are.
Thousands of years ago, the great prophet Isaiah said this:
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 MSG)
A few years ago, I wrote a note next to that verse in my Bible: I am not too old.
There’s a new day, a new road, and new moments to celebrate in front of you. Isn’t that fabulous!
Age is a number made up of years.
Life is an event made up of moments.
Let’s create some great moments.
