It’s great getting old.
It seems getting older brings a whole slew of advantages that are impossible for one to possess in their youth. Things like an appreciation for what life brings you, an acceptance of one’s position in life and the wisdom that only experience can bring ignites an appeal to me that being youthful simply does not.
This is something I also realize is not shared by people my own age.
Having almost reached a quarter century in terms on time of this planet, I often feel like I’m closer in age to a 65 year-old then a 24 year-old. The sentiment of being an old soul is something that people constantly reiterate to me, as if to further suggest that how I live and act is from a long-gone age. The truth is I don’t feel like I relate to the cultural trends people my own age are into.
For instance, the language I use doesn’t seem to match up with that of those around me. Often archaic, it’s almost outdated with word use often being a few centuries too late. Words like “feckless” and “abaft” seem sensible to me, but result in clueless looks when used in conversations with my peers.
Words that are more popular nowadays, such as “selfie,” make me scratch my head in puzzlement as to why anyone would think it sounds okay in conversation.
It’s not just limited to the vocabulary I use in daily conversations. Fashion trends, contemporary music and a number of other things people my own age are into just aren’t appealing to me.
On a recent trip to Florida, of all things I could buy I was content with a nice warm sweater and a copy of Don Quixote, which in itself raises questions about whether or not I relate to the nasmeless hidalgo the book is based on.
I think the biggest reason for my hoary perspective on life comes from my inability to identify with the culture I live in. By no means a misfit or delinquent, I often think what strikes me as appealing or attractive often comes from the past.
Musically I look to past decades for artists to listen to, I’m a fan of what could be considered “classic” fashion looks and most of all I feel more of an appreciation towards the products of a former time.
My feeling towards dealin with my internal struggle with age is to simply accept it.
I don’t feel discouraged in understanding how contemporary culture can be stylish more so because I’m so comfortable to look at the past and find solace in bygone eras.
Feeling old is something I welcome because it’s not about being cranky or feeling elderly; it’s more about realizing the things I’m most in tune with are from a different point in time.
A nickname I commonly hear is Old Man Grumps, each word referring specifically to my views on things. I don’t argue with being called this. In fact, I welcome it with open arms.