Equal Parts Love and Hate

Friday, January 15, 2010
As I get older, I'm finding that the maturing process is equal parts love and hate. It's the natural order of things, of course - everything's a trade off, and in order to enjoy the benefits, you must make the required sacrifices.

So here are the things I love and hate about getting older:

I love the fact that I've finally matured into myself, content with who I am, without the need to wish I had more, could do more, was more.

But I hate the fact that it takes me weeks and weeks to heal when I slip and fall on the ice.

I love the fact that I'm financially stable, and can enjoy a level of disposable income that allows me to do what I want within reason.


But I hate that every winter the mysterious cracks in the skin on my hands get worse and more numerous.

I love that my kids are growing into fine adults, and that they're making good decisions that will lead to them becoming contributing members of society.

But I hate that I can throw my back out just by sneezing.

I love that I have finally learned how to be diplomatic when I determine it's required.*

But I hate that it took me over 30 years to pull my head out of my ass and make smart life decisions.

I love that now, in my mid-life, I value my friends more than I ever have, and realize that while my romantic relationship is a cornerstone of my daily life, my friends are the keystones.

But I hate that I get occasional hot flashes, lovely precursors to the wonderful world of menopause.

I love that my values are slowly realigning themselves to place a higher value on those who are kind, considerate and generous, rather than those who are smart and accomplished.

But I hate that my mind, which used to resemble a steel trap, now more closely resembles a colander, or perhaps a sieve. Stupid Mad Cow.

And I really really hate the fact that my metabolism has slowed to the point where deciding to have donuts or not has a profound impact on my clothing budget.

Since I don't have much choice about growing older, I suppose I should revel in its delights rather than wallowing in its hardships. But still - stupid cellular degeneration. 


*I just usually determine it's not required.

6 comments:

Nathan said...

It's not original, but "growing old sure beats the alternative".

Chris said...

Hit the nail right on the head, Janiece, particularly the part about throwing your back out sneezing. I did that the week before Christmas by simply bending down to pick up a piece of paper.

Thordr said...

Love the fact that people think I'm wise enough they ask my oppionion on sensitive subjects.
Hate the fact I cant remember thier damned name.

MWT said...

Ah yeah.. youth is totally wasted on the young...

WendyB_09 said...

But I hate that I get occasional hot flashes, lovely precursors to the wonderful world of menopause.

Welcome to my world...although during a cold winter hot flashes can come in handy!! ;-D

Alex said...

But I hate that my mind, which used to resemble a steel trap, now more closely resembles a colander, or perhaps a sieve. Stupid Mad Cow.

My mind is like a steel trap...Rusted open and illegal in 38 states.