Age Rage

Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis

I had a bad case of road rage. I was driving on I-70 and got into some road construction.  The traffic narrowed to one lane, and the speed limit suddenly became 65 miles per hour.  I could certainly live with that, but I got behind a semi that, for some unknown reason, decided to go 45 miles per hour.  Of course, I was in a hurry to make my destination.  I could see there were no cars in front of the semi for miles.  I was stuck!  I began to fume.  Would I dare pass on the right?  Should I put on my flashers and honk?  I realized I had a full-fledged case of road rage.  How many times do we need to learn the lesson that all stress is caused by resistance?  When I quit resisting, the rage dissipated, and I began to notice the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas, the greening grass, and unobstructed blue vistas. I had a new opportunity to experience a leisurely drive and became very reflective.

 Aging naturally restricts us.  We’ve been used to going as fast as we want in life.  Slowly but surely, our speed limit is restricted.  Instead of seeing it as an opportunity to relax and smell the roses, we get age rage!  Why do we resist the natural order of aging?  Perhaps it is an invitation to slow down and focus on more important things in life.  As important as it is to remain active, the acceptance of the new speed limit is what gives us a great attitude to move forward and count our blessings.  Slowing down does not mean you’re failing; it may be the best way to see the beauty around you. 

“For fast-acting relief try slowing down.” Lily Tomlin