I love this piece so much! I am 61 and a half. Mom taught me to "own your age, celebrate the wisdom, leave the bad stuff behind and when you are ready, return to it and learn the lesson if there is one". I have long, silver hair and love it, love it, love it. I say what I think with kindness (or as kind as I can muster); I am direct where I used to "hope" that people would willingly give me what I needed. They won't. Just because I ask for what I need from them does not mean I will get it. That's okay because I had the courage to request. Thank you for this empowering piece of writing this morning.
Thank you, Robin! I love this and travel on the journey with you. I was moved by the powerful way your cancer patients have taught you about the gift of growing old. My husband's first wife of 8 years, died at age 40 from breast cancer, leaving behind their 4 year old daughter. Several years ago, I was complaining to my husband about what age was doing to my body. Without a moments hesitation, he swooped me into his arms and said, "You know, not everyone is so lucky!" We are celebrating our 20th Anniversary in a couple of weeks. How lucky we are to share every ache and pain together!
Excellent TRANSPARENT read...Thank you Dr. Robin for being the Real Velveteen Rabbit...your patients/friends and family are indeed lucky! Way to keep helping OTHERS at 68 AND....1/2!!
Whenever I spend time with Robin, or read something she's written, I always think to myself, "Wow, she's even more of a badass than I thought." It's a pleasure and an inspiration to know her, and I look forward to aging as brilliantly as she is.
I have always wondered how oncologists were able to cope over the long haul, so this really helped clarify. My only difference is that I have ALWAYS found old people VERY FUNNY, and enjoyed their life stories, so I don't find humor at this age surprising. From the time I was a small child I wanted to be senior citizen old and now that I am here, I understand why, there is true peace, and joy in each day unlike the struggle during younger years. I did grab life by the balls and travelled when younger, worked as a CPA entertainment business manager so met fascinating people, and survived some truly serious medical issues. My eclectic interests delved me into a huge variety of activities. Alas, the passing of so many dear friends and relatives causes me to pause at times, but my cure is to make new friends and venture out engaging in what the world has on display.
I love to read when a woman embraces aging with such delight and joy! Brought a chuckle and a smile to my face while sipping my morning coffee. Thank you for a wonderful way to start the day.
Wow. ThANK you. What the doctor ordered this morning. I’m in the carpe-the-fucking-diem stage of my life after a blessed life filled lots off juicy challenging times f what I call fuck-up-ed-ness. On we go. After losing a son, there is a hard won clarity. Living with a partner with Alzheimers, moments are lifetimes. Precious. I love this generous, honest offering of truth wisdom and words.
I'm delighted and hopeful to have such an advocate for fighting the presumed invisibility of us older folk - I'm 76 and will NOT be invisible, believe me - and so admiring of your full and beautiful life and the gifts you have brought - and still do - to so many.
Very sweet! The way people respond to the questionnaire always enriches my perception of my own aging. Thanks Sari! And thanks Robin for your honesty and passionate optimism!
Wildly inspiring! In a world completely obsessed with reversing age and creating drama, Doctor you are a brilliant breath of fresh air! At 52 I have looked around at times and so nearly allow self doubt to creep in. But this read, just in time and just the kick to remember who I am. And it is only getting better. Bless you and your family!
I love this piece so much! I am 61 and a half. Mom taught me to "own your age, celebrate the wisdom, leave the bad stuff behind and when you are ready, return to it and learn the lesson if there is one". I have long, silver hair and love it, love it, love it. I say what I think with kindness (or as kind as I can muster); I am direct where I used to "hope" that people would willingly give me what I needed. They won't. Just because I ask for what I need from them does not mean I will get it. That's okay because I had the courage to request. Thank you for this empowering piece of writing this morning.
What an amazing inspiration. This gave me so much joy today thank you!
Thank you, Robin! I love this and travel on the journey with you. I was moved by the powerful way your cancer patients have taught you about the gift of growing old. My husband's first wife of 8 years, died at age 40 from breast cancer, leaving behind their 4 year old daughter. Several years ago, I was complaining to my husband about what age was doing to my body. Without a moments hesitation, he swooped me into his arms and said, "You know, not everyone is so lucky!" We are celebrating our 20th Anniversary in a couple of weeks. How lucky we are to share every ache and pain together!
Excellent TRANSPARENT read...Thank you Dr. Robin for being the Real Velveteen Rabbit...your patients/friends and family are indeed lucky! Way to keep helping OTHERS at 68 AND....1/2!!
Whenever I spend time with Robin, or read something she's written, I always think to myself, "Wow, she's even more of a badass than I thought." It's a pleasure and an inspiration to know her, and I look forward to aging as brilliantly as she is.
Love it, and love everything she says! Carpe-the-fucking-diem LOL!
I have always wondered how oncologists were able to cope over the long haul, so this really helped clarify. My only difference is that I have ALWAYS found old people VERY FUNNY, and enjoyed their life stories, so I don't find humor at this age surprising. From the time I was a small child I wanted to be senior citizen old and now that I am here, I understand why, there is true peace, and joy in each day unlike the struggle during younger years. I did grab life by the balls and travelled when younger, worked as a CPA entertainment business manager so met fascinating people, and survived some truly serious medical issues. My eclectic interests delved me into a huge variety of activities. Alas, the passing of so many dear friends and relatives causes me to pause at times, but my cure is to make new friends and venture out engaging in what the world has on display.
I love to read when a woman embraces aging with such delight and joy! Brought a chuckle and a smile to my face while sipping my morning coffee. Thank you for a wonderful way to start the day.
Wow. ThANK you. What the doctor ordered this morning. I’m in the carpe-the-fucking-diem stage of my life after a blessed life filled lots off juicy challenging times f what I call fuck-up-ed-ness. On we go. After losing a son, there is a hard won clarity. Living with a partner with Alzheimers, moments are lifetimes. Precious. I love this generous, honest offering of truth wisdom and words.
I'm delighted and hopeful to have such an advocate for fighting the presumed invisibility of us older folk - I'm 76 and will NOT be invisible, believe me - and so admiring of your full and beautiful life and the gifts you have brought - and still do - to so many.
Very sweet! The way people respond to the questionnaire always enriches my perception of my own aging. Thanks Sari! And thanks Robin for your honesty and passionate optimism!
Wildly inspiring! In a world completely obsessed with reversing age and creating drama, Doctor you are a brilliant breath of fresh air! At 52 I have looked around at times and so nearly allow self doubt to creep in. But this read, just in time and just the kick to remember who I am. And it is only getting better. Bless you and your family!
This series is always great to read. It's so interesting to see how varied the responses to the same questions can be.
I agree with all the comments here. Living in the present moment with as much gusto as one can manage seems very good advice.
I loved every word of this. I am now going to do one of those workouts between injuries so I can put off the day I become a "prisoner of my joints "
Each one of these is a gift and an inspiration. Thank you. This one’s a keeper. ❤️