As I get older
By dlkuku
@dlkuku (1935)
United States
February 3, 2008 5:17am CST
I will be 44 next month, and I have realized that as I get older the things that are important to me have changed drastically.
When I was a child, things like what I was getting for my birthday was important, having playmates was important, passing the Social Studies test was important.
As a teen, my social life was important, having a boyfriend was important, and getting through High School was important.
In my twenties, taking care of my children, paying the bills, (those things haven't changed), and Soap Operas were important.
In my thirties, I no longer watched soap operas, getting through my divorce was important, taking care of my kids, surviving, keeping my job, keeping my car running, keeping a roof over our heads was important.
In my forties, remarried now for ten years, kids are pretty much grown, only left one in the nest, what is important? Still a lot of things that were important in my thirties, but now I worry about the economy, who to vote for, the issues in government, the cost of healthcare, taking care of myself, my husband's health problems, my grandchildren. Social Security, my aging dad and in-laws, my grandmother, what is going on in the world.
I think I pay more attention to things outside of my own little world as I get older. I watch the news now more than ever, read up on important issues, listen to other's opinions.
What's important to you? Do you think age has a lot to do with our prioritizing things as a matter of importance?
5 people like this
13 responses
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
3 Feb 08
What is it they say? With age comes wisdom? Maybe that is the case. Since becoming a mom, I find things concerning my daughter are more important. Is she warm enough? happy, etc Her safety is my biggest priority. Saving money for her college. In 10-15 years I am sure the tide will shift. Yes I think age has alot to do with priorities.
1 person likes this
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
3 Feb 08
Yeh I guess that is all a part of life, forever changing, priorities change, I am at a point in my life that so long as I am happy that is all that mattters, I tend to get depressed at times so i talk myself out of that and am just grateful to be happy and have no problems....
@vehaileairu (2286)
• Philippines
3 Feb 08
this is a very good discussion...
i see the insight, and its what i always emphasize.. the existence of our selves, in the world.. to the people and to the things around us..
i am still in twenties, i cant say i know everything... i still have the longest way to go.. a million more tears a billion more laughter.. and endless directions or paths to take, learn from the mistakes of others and done by myself.. listen to those who have been through this stages.. and reflect internally, in my heart and in my soul.
i share my love to the people who need it most, share my blessings, share my wisdom, insights, share my understanding, my comforting love, just give my self.. offer help and living every single day to the fullest..
i got lot more to give of myself.. so when the time comes for me, i wont regret a single thing.. i wont remorse of the what ifs.. i'll just make the most of what i did..
my goal is to make them more happy.. my family, my beloved, my best friends since childhood, my pets, the people i work with, even if the ones who are my enemy.. it wont matter anymore.. i dont want to plant hate here in my heart^_^
im glad someone so honest to share something personal learning like this.. and i thank you for sharing the wonders of life..
take care now dlkuku^_^
@vehaileairu (2286)
• Philippines
11 Feb 08
im glad to hear that, i need to do more as well..
i am honored for the best response.. thank you.^_^
@stella1989 (2274)
• India
3 Feb 08
Yes your correct priorities does changes with age ..!!
But I belive that its "time" who changes our priorities.
"Time" affects one's life the most.
The way you did in your life its obviously will not be the same for others.
In my case..
I am in my teens now (19yrs) I worry about my family, my realtions with them and my friends. Theres no such craze over having boyfriends but will accept the one who comes along my way..
I care for my cousins.
I make it sure that I must participate every sunday mass. I care about my looks and hairs.
I also care about the amount of money my parents are spending over me ..
The last thing I care is about my studies. :D
Well thats me.
But I have seen many of my friends who care for there family in such small age, they care for bills, food and house.
So its just the "Time" which makes us do what we should do in our lifes.
:)
@ratyz5 (7808)
• Philippines
3 Feb 08
After reading this, I felt that the things I'm putting my attention to right now are trivial..
Age, most probably goes along with how mature one thinks and decides on things. They change along with the times as one grows up.
Well, when I ever get to think like that, I'll just remind myself that its okay to think ahead, just enjoy every moment while doing so.
@dlkuku (1935)
• United States
3 Feb 08
I think as I get older, I am more grateful for the good times, and I appreciate more what I do have. My husband, my children and grandchildren, good friends. I also appreciate more the simple things in life like a good cup of coffee, a sunrise, and I have a tendency to stop more and smell the flowers.
@livintx49 (245)
• United States
3 Feb 08
I don't worry about the economy,I can't fix it. I don't need the added stress.I agree the older you get your priorities change. I am trying for the first time in my life to make myself happy.My sons are all grown.I will be 50 in September.I always worry about other people.I want to be happy.
@twils2 (1812)
• United States
3 Feb 08
Hello Dlkuku,
I agree age seems to have a lot to do with priorities in life. When I was in my teens, my social life was all that I cared about, in my twenties, I was always worried about holding a job and staying ahead of the bills. I never thought I would live to see thirty and never had any kids. In my thirties, I started worrying more about the future and putting money into a 401k. In my forties I started thinking about just staying with one job and stopped hopping from job to job. Now that I'm close to 50, I'm a supervisor at the same place that I've worked for twelve years, I have a decent 401k and me and my wife just celebrated our tenth anniversary so I think I'm doing okay. My wife quit her job due to health concerns and I'm making enough to keep up with the bills. I wonder where things will go in the next decade.
Take care, Terry
@dlkuku (1935)
• United States
3 Feb 08
A perfect example how our priorities change as we get older.
You seem right on track and in ten years a lot can change. I have come to the point where I worry more about the here and now, although I do look forward to when my husband retires in another nine years, with his pension I also can retire.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
4 Feb 08
I'm 74 and the world has changed drastically. I can remember the day England declared war on Germany (WW2). That was scary! Life is Just what you make it. Stress and worry will make you sick so don't do them. The world will carry on just fine without you worrying about it! I never worry about politics or religion,neither is important in the Grand scheme of Things. I spend more time checking out food at the grocery, and staying away from Doctors. I never worry about my health because I know I'm healthy. I haven't had a medical checkup in 30 years. I love my job and work everyday in the summer. I take the winter off and vacation in South Texas. Have grandchildren and enjoy visiting with them. I have no worries about anything. Been married to the same woman for 52 years. My health is excellent. I'm having fun. What else is there?
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
4 Feb 08
As people grow older, their outlook and priorities of life will necessarily change. This is a very natural process of life we all go through, and I would say, going by your list, most of the things that you attach importance to in the various stages of your life journey can so easily fit into another person's list of priorities. As for me, my current priorities are working towards an early retirement (which also means reassessing and reprioritizing my spending, savings, insurance and investments), keeping up with what's happening in the world and around me, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, staying happy even as life gets tougher, and being more active in my church work. Oh yes, I have to pay more attention with regards to the health of my mother and mother-in-law too as they are already in their 80's.
@elisa126 (166)
• United States
3 Feb 08
I will be 49 next month and I dred it so much cause a year later I will be 50, now its the worry of will I be able to survive in my golden years, will there be social sercurity for me when im 65, my kid is grown and now I have grandkids who I love dearly. will I be able to take care of myself, its kinda depressing I think. But I keep my head up high and hope for the best,This is all we can hope for, Hope is all we have...
@berryliciousme (1003)
• Philippines
3 Feb 08
I think our priorities change as we mature. When I was younger, what's important to me was getting good grades at school. Now that I am in my early 20's and I have a son, my child matters a lot to me. I think, that is one thing that will never change. Helping my family is also very important to me. I would like to show my parents and younger siblings how much I care for them.
I don't watch tv that much anymore the way I used to when I was younger. Before, I watch some series that I had to see on a regular basis. But now, I cannot commit to watching regular shows.
When i was younger, I used to have more friends but now, I realized who my real friends are. Those people who stick with me through thick or thin.
@taurean30456 (13)
• Malaysia
3 Feb 08
Well, that's what we call a life cycles, everybody whether they like it or not they have to face it and that depend on whether they live long enough to go though all that. I am 52 yrs old.
@zinsser (17)
•
4 Feb 08
People may changed as the time went on.Our dream ,our life also changed much.but what can we do? I think this may be grow.It may painful when we realise this changement.our dream in our childhold getting farther and farther.so we should accept and live more happier!
