In a sense, this statement is as true for me, as it was when I wrote it years ago. Truth is 'truth' no matter its age. In our society we fear aging, yet aging gracefully is an art. We value youth, appearing as teenagers while approaching 90. In Greece and Japan, for example, the older one gets (including wrinkles) the more valued and respected one is for contributing to the life of that society. In our "disposable" society, I believe that we have our shoes on the wrong feet, so to speak. We value behaving more like teenagers than we do growing valuable interior lives, where Wisdom, Grace and Beauty reside. There is something to growing ourselves from the inside-out.

 

   Child development studies have unlocked the importance of various stages of childhood and youth development. Erickson, Piaget, Montessori and others devoted their lives to uncovering the importance of all phases of development. Yet, much like everything "out there" their teachings either "preach to the choir or fall upon deaf ears. And now with the institution of our technological society, we find ourselves in a new paradigm where change is magnified.

 

   There IS Life "after adolescence" and "Cinderella." Not that it is not going to be a challenge to grow into mature, balanced human beings. It is hard work! But, it is something we can and must do. We simply must fess up and do a inquiry within ourselves. Let us face the fact that there is beauty and purpose in the aging process, that besides the lines on our faces, each represents a milestone in increased experience and intelligence, more importantly, patience and perseverance. We'll have fewer wrinkles when we express more kindness and love.

 

   I underscore the fact of the importance of creativity in our lives, not only within the culture of the Arts, but in everyday creative problem solving. Music, Art, Poetry and a multitude of other arts and art related areas, can transport us into higher worlds. Worlds that can temporarily take us out of the seemingly impossible round-about challenges we face in our lives. Though we must return to face these challenges, the Arts can give us a refreshed perspective that assist us in knowing that change is a fact of life. A fact to be welcomed! And nothing, no matter how challenging or baffling is permanent. It is our attitudes that make it appear so, or not. Let us remember these two points: Aging-the natural process of life on Earth and can be experienced in dignity and pleasure by taking personal responsibility for our own health, all phases of it. Humor also helps a lot!

 

   Let us allow each facial line to be a milestone in our aging and self-maturation process. When we go for the gold of inner Wisdom, those lines will not matter so much. It is not necessary to burden ourselves by staying in adolescence, forever. Look at the many who have discovered this and the beauty they bring by being within the process. Let us inhale their wisdom and relish the creative intelligence in their smiles...that "knowing" that "twinkle in each wrinkle." Let us also remember that side by side with life experience is Attitude. Everything has a shadow side. It is up to us to decide which side we choose to stay on. And as we grow old, may we also have the courage to grow up. Rev. Ann Essance