"Hard times make you bitter or make you more compassionate" - Jewel
There are two types of elderly; the cute little old lady who pinches your cheeks and tells you how much you remind her of her grandkids OR the cranky old man who yells at you for getting in his way and being disrespectful to the elderly.
I have recently formulated a theory. The people who turn out to be sweet old married couples are those who lived a fulfilling life. They achieved what they wanted, they explored the world, they loved with all their heart and lived a life worth remembering. Whereas the cranky old people who make the world miserable for anyone who is younger than them are simply bitter. They are bitter with missed opportunities, wondering 'what if'.
I don't want to become bitter. I don't want to wonder 'what if...'. I don't want to resent people in my life for holding me back. I don't want to become the old lady who is rude to the waitress because she didn't make the coffee hot enough.
So how does one not become bitter with age?
Well, I have thought of a few things to help:
- Don't regret the choices you make. If you learn something, it is worth it.
- Say 'yes' to more things, you never know how it might turn out.
- Don't be afraid of the future, no amount of anxiety can change it.
- Remember what's important; friends & family, health & happiness.
Sometimes it's important to look at what you have and be thankful. To look at the few true friends you have, the family members in your life and the possessions you proudly own and simply be happy. It is when you take these basic things for granted that the bitterness has the capability to take over your life.
So don't let it.
Love, Nicole Marie
