386. Dealing with Aging

My muscle pain in my neck and shoulder got worse, so I have been getting treatments from a chiropractor nearby. After looking at the X-ray, the radiologist gave a report that I have mild “cervical spondylosis”. Though I was assured that usually people get better over time, I was sad that I had to stop doing any strenuous upper-body exercise for the next few weeks. But what got me sadder was when I googled the diagnosis once back home. It is a type of degenerative disk issue associated with “aging”. Given my weightlifting history, the chiropractor suspects that a certain repeated movement may have triggered it as well, but I was faced with the sad reality of human aging.

Since entering the 40 marks, I slowly began to notice I wasn’t the same. I tweaked my muscles more often, and my performance at the gym got worse. And this is something that naturally happens with age but through this diagnosis, I became more aware of it. I never understood people older than me complaining about aging and growing pain in their bodies, until recently. Aging is not just growing in number but growing in awareness of the ending.

But at the same time, I see that I am my happiest self right now, and I honestly don’t want to go back to my youthful season. I might had a better physical performance and stamina then, but I am much more satisfied with where I am today. And one of the reasons is a better “perspective”.

At one point, I found it easier to embrace the mystery that was difficult to accept when I was younger. Though moments go faster than before, I find it easier to slow down more because I can intuitively sense what the better pace might be. I find myself worrying less because I have seen more things and how they have turned out. I have also witnessed more of God’s favour and faithfulness in my life, which manifests in unexplainable confidence and courage at the opportune time.

Above all, I am thankful that though I am aging, I have remarkable mentors and seniors who demonstrate to me that though their flesh may fail, God is the strength of their hearts. (Psalm 73:26) I started telling myself that If we see ourselves as fine wine, not perishable meat, aging is something we can gladly accept, even welcome.