By Gregg Sanderson
“Wisdom comes with age, we’ve known
But sometimes, age just comes alone.”
“Being old sucks,” I remarked to a friend as we discussed our health. I was immediately struck by the lightning of realization.
“That’s one hell of an affirmation,” I said, and changed it on the spot to, “I live a long life of happy stuff.” As I relished my new declaration, I discovered a gift of many years rarely available to those with fewer, and undiscovered by others.
There’s a difference between growing old and being old. Being old is often an attachment to past beliefs and experiences that builds immunity to the present.
Growing old is not only the result of a variety of life experiences, but their integration into the psyche. It offers a gift that only comes from many years, if at all.
Through my life, I’ve had many changes in location, vocation and relation. Now I joyfully and gratefully welcome the gift of perspective.
I have spent time in 45 of our 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Japan and a variety of Pacific islands.
I’ve lived in Hawaii, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Florida.
I’ve worked as a gas station attendant, door-to-door salesman, truck driver, military officer, warehouse manager, systems analyst, publisher, consultant, matchmaker, author, workshop leader, database developer and psychic healer.
Spiritual development has taken me through Christian Science, Judaism, Atheism, Living Love, Spiritualism, Psychic Development, Teaching of the Inner Christ, Science of Mind, Unity and Infinite Possibilities. There’s a whole lot of synthesis goin’ on.
I used to be an argumentative smartass who always had to be right. Now I’m a gentle and tolerant smartass. I can even accept people with other points of view.
When I talk about coaching, I like to use the analogy of a scout for the wagon train.
A scout at the destination isn’t of much use to the settlers. If they were heading for Dodge City, they don’t need a scout who knows the way to Santa Fe.
What they need is one who is just a short ride ahead, to report on the rocks, water holes, and Indians along the way.
I like to be sure my clients understand I’m the scout for their mental wagon train, and not their perfect example. I’ve been down many trails, and the more I’ve personally traveled the greater my perspective.
I’m at the point now where I can often say, “I’ve been there” physically, mentally and emotionally. That experience helps me communicate, illuminate and pontificate.
With all that perspective now, I can only imagine what it will be like when I get old.
Oh, wait….
Gregg Sanderson is author of Spirit With A Smile, The World According To BOB. He is a licensed practitioner in the Centers for Spiritual Living, and a Certified Trainer for Infinite Possibilities. His earlier books were, What Ever Happened To Happily Ever After? and Split Happens—Easing The Pain Of Divorce. His latest project is the New Thought Global Network, where subscribers can enjoy the best in New Thought presentations from anywhere at any time. You can see it at http://www.newthoughtglobal.org.