I have a gimpy knee and shuffle my feet, My body aches as my strength depletes, But I won't let these maladies defeat me, My spirit is not yet obsolete, completely. As my functions slowly decrease, I embrace the changes and find peace, I keep moving, even as my bones may creak, Grateful for each passing week. For I've seen the passing of time and youth, And learned the beauty of growing old, in truth, I won't be like those who give up and succumb, Instead, I'll flourish in the days to come. I'll rage against the dying of the light, As Dylan Thomas urged with all his might, And I'll recall the loves and places of my life, Like the Beatles did in "In My Life." And even as my body fails and fades, I'll hold onto the memories and the loves that stayed, For as Yeats said, "When You Are Old", Those are the things that will truly hold. So though my body may be incomplete, And my life is almost obsolete, I'll cherish each moment, big and small, Grateful for the memories and lessons, for all.
The poem "Positive Psychology of Aging" celebrates the beauty and richness of life in its later stages. It underscores the idea that growing old is not a curse, but a privilege, and that aging brings with it a wealth of experiences, memories, and opportunities for personal growth and development.
I acknowledge the physical challenges that come with aging. A gimpy knee, swollen feet, and aching body are all signs of wear and tear that at times seem overwhelming to me. However, I refuse to let these maladies defeat me. I recognize that while my body may be faltering, my spirit remains vibrant and alive. I am determined to embrace the changes that come with aging and find peace in the process.
I express my gratitude for each moment, every week, recognizing that time is a precious commodity. I have seen the passing of time and youth and I have learned to appreciate the beauty of growing old in truth. Instead of giving up and succumbing to the challenges of aging, I choose to rage against the dying of the light and to flourish in the days to come.
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night - Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
I understand that memories and experiences are the things that truly hold, as Yeats said in "When You Are Old." With this in mind, I cherish each moment, big and small, and I am grateful for the memories and lessons I learned throughout my life.
When You Are Old - W.B. Yeats
When you are old and grey and full of sleep, And nodding by the fire, take down this book, And slowly read, and dream of the soft look Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep; How many loved your moments of glad grace, And loved your beauty with love false or true, But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, And loved the sorrows of your changing face; And bending down beside the glowing bars, Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled And paced upon the mountains overhead And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.
I emphasize the importance of continuing to explore, learn, and grow, even as the body may become less spry. I recognize that with each new experience, the heart can overflow with joy and that my spirit can soar high, touching the sky.
In essence, the poem highlights the positive psychology of aging, emphasizing the importance of embracing the changes that come with growing old, cherishing the memories and experiences of life, and continuing to learn and grow. The poem inspires us to see aging as a privilege, an opportunity to live life to the fullest, and to celebrate the beauty of growing old in truth.