What Is It Like to Be Older?

Dear Friends,

I hope you’re having a good week.

Recently, I received a question from someone in a younger generation:

“What is it like to be older?”

It’s such a simple question, but I found myself thinking about it long after I read it.

I obviously can’t answer it from the perspective of someone who has lived many more decades than I have. But it did make me think about what getting older has felt like for me so far.

When I was younger, I think I was more open to adventure. Part of that was probably because so much was still new. I was figuring out what I liked, what I didn’t like, who I wanted to spend time with, and what kind of life I wanted to build.

There was something exciting about that.

But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed a different kind of freedom.

I know myself better.

I have a better sense of the people I enjoy being around, the things that are worth my time, and the things that simply aren’t for me. I don’t feel like I have to say yes to everything just because it’s there.

And strangely, having fewer possibilities doesn’t necessarily feel limiting. Sometimes it feels like it creates more room.

More room to really enjoy dinner with someone I care about. More room to appreciate a quiet morning and more room to be present in a conversation instead of wondering what I should be doing next.

Maybe part of getting older is not just gaining years, but getting to know yourself more deeply along the way.

Of course, I’m still relatively early in that journey, and I’ll continue to learn as I go—but I want to hear from you.

What is it like to be older?

Has it been different from what you imagined when you were younger? Is there something about getting older that has surprised you?

I’d love to hear your answer, in whatever way you choose to tell it.

Your Friend,

Amie 🌱