Aging is a Privilege – My Book Review

“Failing is never the final word. It’s never the sum total of who a person is.”

Aging is a privilege that many get to experience. For over a decade I had a wonderful friend named, Sycily. When she and I became friends, she was already in her early 80s. She never liked celebrating her birthdays, because she learned long ago not to count years – only moments and lived life to the fullest as each year continued to pass. She was always a goer and doer up until her final days. You literally could not tell she was 92!

Aging is a privilege that robbed from the life of my young friend, Brenda who we dreamed of growing old together in a mountain cabin over long phone conversations and Italian food. Brain cancer took her way too soon.

This latest book I that has engaged me reminds of these two friends long lost – one who time did not rob and one that time did rob.

A Delightful Little Book on Aging by author, Stephanie Raffelock is abounding with her wisdom and wit from her own life experiences.  Divided into sections she discusses grief, reclamation, vision, and most importantly laughter. There are lots of anecdotes that carry her message of aging by not giving up on life as you age but still fully embracing life in your fifties, sixties, and beyond.

Each one of us sees aging in different ways. None of us have the same experiences but we all have similar experiences. This book is simply a splendid reinforcement of what I have discovered myself in this life. And it will be a wonderful reference again and again when I forget what’s important, especially the laughter and the moving. My friend, June, filled my life with laughter when I needed it the most. When Stephanie says you need friends – you do. June continues to fill my life with laughter. My friends Ginny and Sharla, inspire me to always be moving.

 The takeaways from Stephanie that were reinforced in this book:

1. It’s okay to say no, even if it’s to your husband. Ha!

      2. Always be grateful even in this changing world which is ever so hard.

The most heartening story Stephanie shared was A Pack of Teenage Girls. Because in the end humanity does surprise us in the most phenomenal ways.

“Proceed with caution. Proceed at your own risk. Proceed with laughter, love, grace, and dignity. Say “thank you” as if it were the prayer of your life.”

Aging is a privilege that many do not get to experience.

Embrace it.

Enjoy it.

Live it.

Most importantly keep moving.

If you need help appreciating your age – no matter what it is – then this book is a flawless piece of writing art to help you get inspired. Who knows it might change your life? If it’s the latter like with me it will always be there as a gentle reminder of what you already know because we are not guaranteed tomorrow.