RANDOM THOUGHTS ON AGING

Despite how at some point in the year, we wished we could start all over one way or another, we are fast coming to the end of 2020. And while some might still be stuck in previous months, time is moving and our “meters” have read the past months in our favour. Essentially, everyone has become older in the course of 2020 (although in varying degrees and aspects, aging is aging nonetheless). 



On some days—maybe one too many—the phenomenon of aging fascinates me. I am in awe at how one can stay seemingly different. Inasmuch as we would like to think that a majority experience aging in the same dimension, each passing moment finds me picking flaws in the notion.


We age in different dimensions and on different levels, with the most obvious being physical. Nevertheless, we age mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well as a host of other areas. From our careers and ambitions to taste. At first thought, most of us tend to shy away from the idea of aging—’cos everyone wants to be young forever, yeah? But, when we take a closer look, aging doesn’t just mean getting older and wrinkly, it could mean getting better—with an added dose of responsibility of course.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Another aspect of aging I find interesting—to observe and think of—is how we tend to get disillusioned as we grow. Maybe it is because life continues to hit us right in the guts—or at least it tries to. Or that we become more aware and exposed. Whatever it is, aging invariably takes one from being a wild-eyed child to an alternate being that one determines by oneself. Most of the time, the innocence and blissful ignorance of the former disappears at the apparition the latter.


As we age, we tend to shift our gaze from banalities to things that are actually important. We learn to understand that we should not exert so much energy on things we have little control over. We discover and learn to own  our voices. We let go of beliefs we grew up with no choice but to accept, and take on new ones—to our detriment or betterment, it all depends. And eventually, our rose-coloured lenses clear out and the harsh reality of growing up stands naked in front of us. But then, this is the beauty of aging, you move from the chrysalis in the cocoon to a beautiful butterfly, spreading your wings, flying towards blooming fields.


Don't be a chaotic butterfly, 

'Mina.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

REVIEW : VIOLENCE BY FESTUS IYAYI

GROWING UP BIG FOOT