I don't feel "old"…but I am getting close to that unofficial marker of "maturity." Forty is just six and half months from today; just around the corner. And I'm fine with this. It's just a number. And I really love my birthday, regardless of the number.
But lately I have noticed a few things.
I have to pull my phone back away from my face to focus on the words. I can't see the small print well when I pick up a book to read from the pile next to my bed. I keep checking my computer settings, thinking I have accidentally reduced the size of font on my screen. I have caught myself squinting at my computer and food labels and books and mail, in recent weeks.
My eyesight is changing.
Apparently, around the age of 40 it's normal to begin experiencing these types of sight issues, according to my online search.
Luckily, I have reading glasses from 15 years ago.
It was during law school when I noticed headaches and eye strain from having my head in the books so much. The optometrist said this was typical for law students. I wore them through law school and then stopped because I didn't need them anymore.
Now I do.
What a difference it made as I typed these words and read an article and worked on some editing.
Of course, it's not just my eyes changing. My dark hair continues to morph into strands of silvery gray. My eyebrows seem wirier. The joints in my fingers are a bit knottier.
Eh. I'm alright with these things.
There is also a freedom that comes with age; a façade from one's youth that gently falls away over time. There is a settling in the skin like a pair of old, familiar jeans that gives comfort in simply being me.
Age does not define me, but rather gives me license to define myself.
And it appears that part of that is accepting the fact that I'll be wearing reading glasses more often. And if you aren't 40 yet, don't laugh….it will happen to you too…eventually. Over and out…
Anna
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