The Age of Enlightenment

As I’m reaching a milestone birthday this month, I’m reflecting on life. We were all born happy with a God-given right to be happy. Conscious aging is recognizing that I have to live my best life, with meaning and values. I make a conscious effort, daily, to be kind to myself and others, and to do only what brings me joy. There’s a Chasidic saying: “Be the master of your will and the slave of your conscience.” I always seek to improve myself and try to live without negative thoughts, self-judgment or judgment toward others. Mindful living is sorting out between truths and illusions, knowing what I can and cannot do. It’s accepting the life I have, here and now, without the “could have / should haves”.
Every morning, I wake up with gratitude for the Blessed one who has made me a woman, just the way I am, able and capable. My being, alone, is a reason for joy, even the getting older part. I’m proud of my wrinkles because they are the road map of my life. Growing old is inevitable, but aging is optional as it’s only a mindset anyway.
When I reflect on my achievements, I feel proud of my children, my career as a teacher, and reinventing myself as an artist and a writer. I still set new goals for myself. I am looking forward to publishing my art/poetry book next month. (We say in Hebrew my book “will see the light”). After many years, I finally see the light and realize what’s important. Life is about learning, exploring, creating, loving, forgiving, helping others, and of course, enjoying it, preferably with some chocolate, too.
I’m honored and grateful to have reached this age of rich harvest, age of enlightenment. I know that the wiser I get, the more I have yet to learn. Lechayim! To life!
Naomi Young is an educator in Jewish studies. She’s also an artist and writer. Contact her at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com or www.naomiyoung.com