Getting older – is the jury is still out? Not guilty!
By Carmel Rowley www.carmelrowley.com.au

Middle aged Carmel and aged Simeon Sarah (33 this year) at Easter 2012 – Photograph Greg Egan

Over Easter there were some lovely photographs taken of our horses and I think it’s quite fitting that  my photograph was taken with our dear aged mare Simeon Sarah. Sarah turns 33 this year and finally her age is catching up with her. When I looked at the photograph and stared at the person with her hand around her beloved mare’s jowl I thought, who is she? It’s the same person who stares at me from my bathroom mirror and from those hideous mirrors at the hairdresser and when you’re trying on new clothes. It’s me but it’s not me!

Don has said on more than one occasion, you’re not coping too well with getting older. No, I thought I guess I’m not! If you’re going through a similar thing you know it’s not the most enjoyable spectator sport because ultimately you lose the race. But when I swallowed, then pushed aside my vanity, I allowed myself to think about the number I’ll be celebrating this year. If I’m lucky I still have a third of my life to live.  This point was the one that made me realize, hang on, my life is really great and I really believe it will become greater before my time is up.

So I took some of my own advice and drew a line down the middle of a sheet of paper and wrote down all the good things in my life and I admit to having nothing to moan about. I won’t bore you with all the details but it’s great to know that I’m a reasonably capable, functioning adult. Adult being the operative word. I have some exciting new goals, my journey into the world of being a writer has me learning so many new things that my brain is fit to burst. What is better than combining the things you love, reading, writing and Arabians. So my ‘fit to burst’ is a big positive. It’s no secret I’m a positive thinking addict and I work VERY hard at TRYING to keep myself on track.

When you have a positive attitude you attract others who are like minded often changing the people around you. I know first hand how positivity and enthusiasm results in success and happiness. More knowledgeable people who write about these things say all of our negative thoughts come from assumptions we make. I wonder if we’re trying to prepare ourselves for the worst to happen? Naturally, we should be prepared for problems but not to the detriment of our outlook on life.

I’ve just put another sign up on my vision board: “The only time you really live fully is from thirty to sixty. The young are slaves to dreams; the old servants of regrets. Only the middle-aged have all their five senses in the keeping of their wits.”
-Hervey Allen

The jury has given it’s verdict, stay away from mirrors and produce something that contributes to society. This not only helps others but gives  increased self esteem as one grows older. I believe there’s plenty more work to be done and that will be my focus as I race into my future.

If you would like to read more about getting older read these great tips at:  ‘Eight Tips to Getting Older Fabulously!’ By Tania Psathas at http://www.fabulously40.com