Those Were the Days - or Were They

At the end of every year, and beginning of a new one, I tend to reflect on things past and contemplate on things present & future. Why, I wonder, do 'we' seem to think more fondly of days gone by, when, in fact, every day is pretty much like another, except with each one's passing, we get a little older, a little slower...and hopefully wiser. Yes, age slows us down. I don't do as much as I did in my 20's, 30's & 40's, or as easily, things like playing tennis for hour at a time, riding motorcycles, competing in league volleyball, rollerskating [without padding!] up & down the beach boardwalk in SoCal and doing the 'Hollywood' thing: acting-singing-dancing-auditioning. Cool stuff...and, it's safe to say, I thought I was pretty much invincible; I am woman, after all!
In reality, however, some of the things I did back then [with little thought of tomorrow] or that were done to me allowed for the array of issues that I find myself dealing with today: several whiplashes, a few surgeries, too many falls, a whole lotta heavy lifting & gardening, staying stuck in one position for long hours painting and, more recently, working at the computer. Lest we forget, those 'glory day's also included a litany of endured losses, tragedies & heartaches, all which affect the psyche, whether we work them out, or through.
Yep, the old bod & mind just ain't what they used to be, but, hey, I'm still standing...and standing strong. I'm what 'they' call a survivor, carrying on despite the obstacles. Bob Seger said it well in his soulful song 'Like A Rock'...I sit & wonder, sometimes, where they've gone...the years. Don't get me wrong, I'm active, just not the 'energizer bunny' I once was. Walking has replaced running and little changes like that. I sure do miss the natural energy part, but I'm not complaining, even though I could throw a good 'pity party', if I wanted. Oh, yes, I almost forgot, the naps, my husband & I have begun taking naps! I always hated nap-time, as a child and as an adult, until now. Maybe I should move to Spain? I hear naps are mandatory there. Lol. Plus, the pace of life is slower, more family, food & festive-oriented! Sounds good to me.
As the days grow more precious with each sunrise & sunset, priorities shift. Possessions & things mean less, and people, nature & work mean more. My husband seems sweeter and I'm much more quick to forgive & get on with things. Time flies...and way too quickly. So, I wonder, 20 years from now, will I look back on these days and think, boy, those were the days?!

{Logo: A younger me in SoCal.}