Don and I were just discussing today's blog post and he made the comment, "No one was cute today, so I don't know what you will write" which is true. No one was cute today -- especially me.
One of the hardest things about being a Southern Woman is the fact that we are NOT supposed to speak our minds. So, when we do, it not only surprises all those around us, but we give ourselves a little shock as well. However, there is something naughtily delicious about saying what one thinks, don't you agree?
When I turned 40, my best friend, Eleanor, said to me: "Ah, 40... you will start to speak your mind." (She is 13 years older than I.) And, it was so.
As I approached 45, she wisely stated: "Ah, 45... now you will speak your mind and you won't care if you hurt someone's feelings." And, it was so.
As 50 came, she nodded over lunch and remarked: "This is the best age, 50. You speak your mind, don't care who you hurt, and, in five minutes, you don't remember what you said to whom." And, it was so.
As 55 is nearing, I find myself being a curmudgeon sometimes. While I wouldn't have dared at 21 to tell someone what I thought about their behavior, their treatment of me, or their politics, now, it is like I am channeling Imelda Marcos. Sometimes, I think I am just cross.
But, you know what? I can't remember to whom or why....
I found once I passed 50, it was so much easier to just "let it go". I have a few difficult people in my life and I've come to a point I just don't care what they say or think, anymore.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Matty. As one soon to be 62, I can tell you it just gets better and better. Sometimes I feel badly but then I talk myself out of it.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you are still having snow in NC. And I thought Minnesota was bad!!!
Stay safe!
I love this post Matty and since I am closer to 50 than 40 this year, I have more to look forward to...LOL! Thanks for the kind words about my tutorial:-)
ReplyDeleteIf it were only true!
ReplyDeleteJane
Good post! Yes, I find that the older I get the more willing I am to say what I think, but I do try to phrase things so that I don't come off as just being cranky. Nobody likes to get their feelings hurt.
ReplyDeleteManuela