Age, age, age …
by tamarjacobson
Are you Wise? I scored a 4 (four) and have Relatively High Wisdom.
I know that I have been thinking about aging more than usual these past five years or so. Lately it seems so many people around me are talking, writing, documenting, or researching aging. At times, I am even sick of talking and hearing about it, and I wonder why we are all so obsessed with it. On the other hand it feels like there is a huge, global, aging support group out there.
For me, I think, the shock came as I realized I was no longer immortal. When I was younger, even though cognitively I was aware that life ends, emotionally I did not understand that mine would. I am not sure when the exact moment was that I understood I was definitely going to die. Once that happened, exploring and understanding my past took on a new meaning, became more urgent in a way. I seemed to want to find out quickly what life is all about. Just in case I died without knowing.
Otherwise, the body aging thing? Well, that is a happening and I learn it as I go. I am much less fearful or surprised by all the natural changes. Just curious and sometimes amazed at the complexity of the body and mind as they start to reach for their conclusion. No doubt about it. I will be sad to leave. Parting has never been easy for me.
I am sure it will be difficult:
Bidding farewell to the budding trees and fresh new green leaves, glorious birds, dear friends and cherished family members, winter snows, and all those new experiences that crop up throughout life.
For me, however, the most intriguing part of all in this aging business, is …
… the letting go …
tamarjacobson 
Yes, Joared, I agree. Health would definitely influence my perspective about dying. Although, I am like you. I just do not want to *miss* anything!
I found myself in the Realtively High Wisdom category also. All I can think of is there are so many different kinds of wisdom.
I think of many aging related issues, my experiences, but specifically for me, my primary thought is what all I will miss when I die. You see, I don’t want to miss anything, but know I must.
I think my thoughts and attitudes toward dying might be viewed from a different perspective were health problems to develop. I just hope I could sustain a positive and optimistic outlook within my limitations.
3.8 is fine, AlwaysQuestion. Just fine! Wisdom is all relative anyway.
3.8… room for improvement.
Hello there Mark!
But then, I always knew you were wise.
Smiles.
Hmmm. I scored a 4.1.
Mark
Hurrah! mm, you are back! With a sense of proportion and adding joy to my blog. So pleased to hear from you again. Good luck with your new blog.
Your comment reminds me of a quote by Banana Yoshimoto:
“Over and over, we begin again.”
Smiles.
As you say in your thoughtful post, Tamar, I find that I have become much more aware of the passage of time as the years go by. How many more springs? Summers?
This is not a sad thing, it can be joyful, lending a zest and an appreciation of the passing days. It helps me gain a sense of proportion, at least at times :-).
Even though I have a belief in some kind of afterlife I believe I will fight against “the dying of the light” when the time comes. Part of being human I suspect. It is very hard to let go.
OK, Tamarika, I have taken the test and reported on it:
http://www.nobodyasked.com/2007/05/07/winston-the-wise-ass/
Winston, Thanks for sharing your writing here.
Joy, I know, those niggly aches and pains are a real trip, aren’t they? Sometimes they came at the oddest moments. I even find myself laughing out loud when they surprise me!
I love that paragraph that Winston included in his comments…so beautifully true.
I can’t say that I think about death, per se; but the elements of aging certainly have been on my mind more than ever before. I suppose that’s pretty normal as we creep past the boundaries of youth into another transitional neighborhood. I don’t think it would ever cross my mind if it weren’t for the niggly little aches and pains that come along with it. That’s when a good attitude and healthy spirit hopefully kick in to keep us young….or at least “young at heart.”
I have not yet done the little scoring ditty, but his rang a bell with me. I s’pose that happens as we get closer to the end of the journey. Your words also triggered me to grab these words from my blog post of May 3:
“LEAVES… on the trees outside my windows provide a constant reminder, either by their presence or absence, and by their color, that I now mark time not by the clock or calendar, but by the seasons. I always heard this happens when we get older. I did not believe it. It is true. And the leaves are turning and falling too fast. No matter the date, eternal winter is coming.”