I asked one of my friends who has crossed 60 (just like I am now) what kind of change he is experiencing in himself.
"After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children, my grandchildren, I have now started to love myself.
I just realized that I am not 'Atlas.'
The world does not rest on my shoulders.
I have now stopped bargaining with fruit and vegetable vendors.
After all, a few extra cents won’t make a hole in my pocket, but it might help the poor man save for his daughter's school fees.
I pay the taxi driver without waiting for change. The extra money could bring a smile to his face. After all, he is working much harder than I am.
I have stopped telling the elderly that they have already told that story many times.
After all, the story makes them walk down memory lane and relive the past.
I have learned not to correct people, even when I know they are wrong.
After all, the responsibility of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
I thank freely and generously.
After all, it lifts the mood not just for the receiver, but also for me.
I have learned not to get bothered by a crease or a stain on my shirt.
After all, personality speaks more than appearances.
I keep away from people who do not appreciate me.
After all, maybe they don't know my worth, but I do.
I remain calm when someone plays dirty politics to one-up me in the rat race.
After all, I am not a rat and I am not even in the race.
I am learning not to feel ashamed of my emotions.
After all, it is my emotions that make me human.
I have learned that it is better to let go of the ego than to break a relationship.
After all, my ego will keep me distant, while with relationships I will never be alone.
I have learned to live each day as if it were my last.
After all, it might be the last.
I am doing what makes me happy.
After all, I am responsible for my happiness and I owe it to myself."
