The Passage Of Time

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Last weekend as Carlos Alcaraz lifted the Wimbledon trophy for the second consecutive year, a piece of news was doing the rounds. It stated the below:

Alcazar did to Djokovic what Djokovic did to Nadal and what Nadal did to Federer and what Federer did to Sampras. 

Djokovic really struggled to be a competitor in the clearly one-sided game and honestly there are no surprises there. Time waits for no one and one should have the sense to move on. Virat Kohli did, so did Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. Acceptance is the key here, which Joe Biden finally realized a couple of days ago. After all, like breathing, aging is what we all have in common.

I turn thirty-eight in a few weeks from now and I've come to realize that aging doesn't bother me anymore. I remember throwing a fit when I turned twenty, I was aghast at leaving my teens behind. I did not know what life had in store for me. Boy, do I have a story for the twenty year old me! As I inch towards a new decade of my life year after year, I cannot help but look back at how far I've come and what all I've left behind. 

Trying my best to not sound preachy I'd say this, aging has become a beautiful journey for me, one filled with profound discoveries and cherished memories. As the years go by, I find myself wearing my experiences like badges of honor, albeit a bit too proudly at times. Each year and grey hair has a story to tell, a moment of joy, sorrow, or wisdom gained. I've learned to embrace these changes, understanding that they are a testament to my resilience and strength. The beauty of aging, for me, is not in desperately clinging to the past but in celebrating my evolution and growth. It's a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, where I can appreciate the learning and richness of my past and the potential that still lies ahead.

I've witnessed a change in myself year after year. My priorities have changed along with my tastes. What has changed the most has to be my approach to situations. I'm no longer impulsive or volatile. I've taken many steps back from that to take the right step forward. With age, I've found a certain grace and tranquility that eluded me in my younger years. The frantic pace of youth has given way to a more reflective and contemplative approach to life. I find myself more present in the moment, savoring the simple pleasures and finding beauty in the everyday. My relationships have deepened, and I have a greater appreciation for the good people around me and a larger sense of indifference for the not so good ones. This stage of life feels fulfilling as I witness the impact of my contributions and the fruits of my labor both professionally and personally. Aging, for me, is not a decline but a journey towards a deeper understanding and appreciation of life itself.

Accepting the passage of time has become a crucial part of my growth. In my younger years, I often clung tightly to moments, desperately trying to freeze them in time. But now, as I age, I understand that letting go is not a loss but a natural progression. Each experience, whether joyful or painful, has shaped who I am. This acceptance brings a sense of peace, allowing me to cherish the past while embracing the future. I find happiness in knowing that every season of life has its purpose. It took me a while to understand this. Turns out, maturity and aging don't go hand-in-hand after all.

Moving forward means recognizing that life is a series of chapters, each fading into the next. As a reader, I can totally relate to this. There is a certain satisfaction in this process, a realization that as one part of my life fades, another begins to blossom. I am learning to welcome change, understanding that every ending is an invitation to something new. The beauty of life lies in its impermanence; it teaches me to value the present, to find joy in fleeting moments, and to celebrate each day as it comes. As I reflect on my journey through life, I can’t help but notice how time subtly fades away moments that once felt so vivid. Each passing year brings a blend of nostalgia and acceptance, a reminder that the natural flow of life is one of change. I find myself embracing the idea that with age comes a beautiful opportunity to let go of the past, making way for new experiences and insights. It’s a bittersweet realization, acknowledging that while some memories will fade, the essence of a life well lived remains within me. I know this sounds like I'm turning eighty, but I had to say this.

Ultimately, fading away with time is a testament to a life well lived. The sooner we understand this, the better it is for all of us. As I count down days to my birthday, it reminds me that happiness isn’t found in clinging to what is familiar but in the acceptance of change and the beauty of moving forward both inside and outside. Each faded memory becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of my life, contributing to the masterpiece that is my journey. I take comfort in knowing that as I let go, I also embrace and make way for the next adventure, filled with hope, satisfaction, and a deeper understanding of what it means to truly live.