Change in Tide

It's a lame title, i know --- but i am finding that the phrase, "Older and Wiser" holds much merit.  I am getting older - i feel it in every capacity and my dialogue reflects that of which i used to make fun.  Please indulge in this somewhat LONG train of thought in this post this evening.
Older and Wiser

1. In my 30s, i used to get really upset that my husband did not treat me like we were dating.  I would get really upset that he no longer sent me love notes or called me on the phone to just 'talk.'  ...... John and I rarely fight any more.  I am no longer needing to be 'understood.'  I am just not that 'complex' anymore.  I have 'Wised Up.'

2. In conversation with complete strangers, we compare aging signs.  "I used to be able to see clearly and read the numbers on my cell phone!"  "Oh, that kind of food gives me heartburn." "If you just use a bit of lemon juice, those aging spots will fade away."  "I use _____ lotion, It's great for 'Mature' skin." WHO TALKS LIKE THIS?  Old people, that's who.  I am older and i now find myself in these conversations.

3. My tolerance (intolerance) is more evident now.  I am polite to the core, but because I am wiser now, i do not have time for idle conversation or menial tasks. 

4. Friendships:  I have always kept few but close friends.  I never have surrounded myself with crowds of people and I thrived on getting to know people one on one rather than in a group culture. I am beginning to really take assessment of those close to me and as i grow, making adjustments to where I can simply be content.  I no longer feel it necessary to put in the work in a relationship if it is a means to an end.  I am becoming judgemental in this area but have also experienced a revelation in my 'older years.'  This is not to say that I am willing to cast all those aside; but a change and direction is evident and i am honoring the course.

5. Marriage: Even though we are years away, I am visualizing the "Empty Nest" days.  I am envisioning some very quiet days ahead with my husband of 10 words a day and he is envisioning road trips in his convertible Porsche. 

6. Significance: I am reaching the age where you look back and ask, "Was my life significant?"  There *should* be at least 5 items that pop into your brain automatically to help you feel settled.  I think I can say that I am there -- although, I look into the coming years and know that there is much life ahead of me and even more significant times are coming.

7. Adaptation: Although a couple numbers back, i stated that my tolerance was evident.  I think what is more evident is my adaptation.  I am growing and adapting and have a willingness to learn more than ever before.  This is something that is remarkable to me.  I want to know as much as I can -- I want to fill this aging brain with information that will add to my character and conversation. It is hard to not *see* this in my maturing children.  They are not there yet.  Knowledge to them is not treasured.  It is a chore and a responsibility. There is forgiveness simply because they are not yet older and wiser.

8. Money:  Money's importance is on the future.  The here and now is available, but the concentration is on the years to come.

9. to be filled as i think of more -- but see, it is 11pm at the moment and this aging person must say good night for the evening.  Gone are the days of just starting the evening at 11pm. Now sentences like, "Are you going to stay up much longer?" and "I'll see you in bed....g'night" are the standard.

Quotes that assist me in this uncharted terrain:
I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.

Abraham Lincoln

Losing an illusion makes you wiser than finding a truth. Ludwig Borne

Thanks for listening.