24, and speaks on ageing

 As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to think more about what ageing really means. When I was younger, I wasn’t exactly excited about the idea of getting older. I’d look at older adults and see wrinkles, missed opportunities, and maybe even a lot of regret and not having done things I would want to do now, but would do if I was younger, and I’d wonder if that was something I’d have to dread for the rest of my life. But as the years go by, I’ve come to realize that aging isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace in a cringe way. It's less about what we lose as we get older, and more about the things we gain along the way. Aging isn’t just about getting older, it’s about becoming wiser, more confident, and appreciating the small moments in life.

One of the most noticeable changes as I age is the way I view the world around me. When I was younger, I had this constant drive to prove myself—to be successful, to look perfect, to accomplish everything as quickly as possible. But as time goes on, I’ve learned that it’s okay to slow down, to take my time, and to stop worrying about meeting someone else’s expectations. There’s something freeing about getting older and realizing that I don’t need to compete with anyone, not even my younger self. With age comes a deeper understanding of what really matters—relationships, experiences, and being at peace with who I am, not who society tells me to be.

The more I age, the more I appreciate the wisdom that comes with experience. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown and how my perspective has shifted. Life doesn’t feel as overwhelming as it once did. I’ve learned how to handle the tough moments, to bounce back after disappointments, and to make better decisions because of what I’ve gone through. Sure, there are still moments when I feel unsure or challenged, but now I know I can navigate them. The struggles of my past have taught me so much about resilience, and the more I live, the more I realize just how much I’ve learned and how that shapes who I am today.

Aging also brings a sense of perspective that I didn’t have when I was younger. In my earlier years, I was always in a rush—chasing goals, looking for the next big thing, and sometimes missing out on the little moments that truly matter. Now, I’ve started to savor those smaller, quieter moments: a lazy Sunday afternoon, a cup of coffee shared with a friend, or just sitting outside to enjoy the peace of the day. There’s a calm that comes with aging, a sense that I don’t need to be rushing around all the time. I can appreciate what’s right in front of me, and that’s something I didn’t fully understand when I was younger.

I also notice that my relationships change in a really positive way. When I was younger, I spent so much energy trying to keep up with social expectations, and sometimes, I didn’t always nurture the relationships that truly mattered. But now, I’m much more intentional about the people I choose to keep close. The connections I value the most are the ones built on trust, understanding, and shared experiences. Aging has helped me learn what real friendship and love look like—something that’s not about surface-level interactions but about deep, meaningful bonds. I don’t feel the need to surround myself with people who are just “fun” or convenient; I’m looking for genuine connections, and I’m fortunate to have a few solid, close-knit friendships that keep growing stronger over time.

I’ve also come to realize that aging means letting go of a lot of the fears that used to hold me back. In my younger years, I was often anxious about what the future held, worried about not being successful or not living up to expectations. But as I age, I feel more confident in the unknown. I don’t have to have everything figured out anymore. I’ve learned that life is unpredictable, and sometimes, the best moments come from the unexpected. I don’t need to control every part of my life. I’m learning to go with the flow, and in doing so, I’ve found peace in accepting the uncertainties.

In the end, aging is less about counting the years and more about how we choose to live them. Yes, I’m not as quick on my feet as I used to be, but I’ve gained something much more valuable: a sense of clarity, self-acceptance, and a deeper understanding of life’s joys. Aging is a chance to stop and reflect, to appreciate the little things, and to savor the moments that matter most. And while it may come with some physical changes, it also brings with it a sense of peace and fulfillment that I never could have imagined when I was younger. I’ve come to see aging as part of the beauty of life—a journey that gets richer and more meaningful with each passing year.

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