“There are some real difficulties inherent in aging, but research shows that many older people are happier than many younger ones.” – Psychology Today

Let’s cut to the chase, here are 3 points of my personal perspective on aging gracefully.

You are constantly growing

We are made intentionally to receive growth. Why are we not birth from astro rocks? Why are we given life from our mother’s womb? Like Jesus, why did He choose to be born as a baby? If you can hold up to the wonders and be always curious; like a child, you’ll always explore new things. Babies observe and act on their curiosity (almost immediately). That’s how we grow to understand what we can eat or touch. 

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, and I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

1 Corinthians 13:11

We have the capacity to grow out of our man-child. We will be different as we age. In our 20s or 40s, we can recognize our inward changes over our outward appearances. The joy of the Lord will always be your strength to do the things you’re called to do.

Your past does not define your future

Yes, the chances of what makes you come from the experience you’ve gained. But we are still growing. Take a minute to embrace the first point, to realize that your future is still in process. We often tend to block out our better selves by sealing them with words like, “I’m born this way.” “I’m like that.” “Oh, I’m not good enough.” “I don’t belong.” etc

While positive affirmations ignite inner power, the ones that inflict unbelief can bring out the worst in you too. So instead, of a no-no saying, speak life back into your future (and the future of others). See also 30 Daily Creative Affirmation by colordrunk

Also to speak to friends feeling lonely about singlehood, you’re not alone! Find community and gear up in purpose don’t just mull over the partner you have not met but live in full purpose knowing that your days will not be wasted. There is still time!

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

Your heart matters more

It is evident that what your heart feeds on, your body will show. Proverbs 17:22 in Good News Translation says, “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time.”

If you have unsettled issues in your heart, it is time to address them so that you can live fully in your present. Worry less about growing older because you have all that is today.

Dear friends, above all, my point is that you deserve to love yourself more than what society is saying. We are entitled to live better and significantly in ways that suit our individuality. Do not fear what the world perceives older (women) to be but own your choices. Do not dwell on what you do not have and start to make out what is more important than urgent.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Yes, DaddyGod wills a life free from fear and full of love, and self-control for every one of us. Leave your fears behind and invite love in.

Continue reading for my story on why I choose to carry a young heart over my actual age number.

At my family’s reunion, my aunt said it so kindly, “Crystal, you look so much better now.” And I received it with gladness. For my aunt who knew me through my youth and heartbreaks, I am glad she walked me through; that I should be proud of the changes in me and outwardly.

However, I’d still want to keep up with good health and reward my body with what she truly deserves. 

On an annual snowboard trip, I witnessed a group of Japanese, in their 50s, deck in full gear for the hike up and slope down on the alps. They sat in for coffee, in happy voices cheering about their morning adventure. My husband and I locked eyes and said, “Let’s grow old like them.”

Since then, I have been faithful to my body. I listened to her needs and refill her with the right energy. There’s still so much I can do for myself. I embraced the fact that it is so okay to change out my wardrobe and not hold onto old clothes that no longer fit. I’ve learned to focus on my body’s well-being; supplying myself with nutrients and exercise. Yes, keep yourself active, please. Even if it is walking up a flight of stairs. Do it while you still have knees.

Having said that, the reason why we should decide on a youthful heart is not to behave like kids (childishly) but to carry life cheerfully like a child who tasted sweets. Research suggests that children are programmed to like the sweet taste because it fills a biological need by pushing them toward energy sources. - Monell geneticist Danielle Reed, PhD

My closing prayer is that you’ll taste and see the sweetness of life given to you. See the good in all things and let it love you a little more. May we all live well and more intentionally to bring out the child-like faith within.