It's my birthday and I feel a bit like the facade of this Green Tara Travels & Tours building in Kathmandu, Nepal... a flaw or two here; a bit of damage there... but still standing! And that certainly beats the alternative.
"...our obsession with youth in our culture and how we women lie about our age after 35... and no one wants to let anyone know they're getting older. " - Sela Ward
Thankfully, in Europe, age isn't as much of an issue/media obsession as it is in the United States. And I've found the older I get, the more outspoken I become. In case you haven't noticed in some of my political pieces, I don't suffer fools gladly!
I've also discovered that things I once fretted and worried over no longer seem quite so important...that I don't need so much stuff and it's okay to let go of beautiful, valuable antiques and designer handbags if I don't need them. I've decided it's fine to decline more invitations than I accept. Time is fleeting and setting priorities is essential. And some days, my priority may be a little peace and quiet in the sanctuary of home, rather than a cocktail party or glittering soiree - no matter what good friends may be there!
My work as a writer and photographer requires a healthy dose of introspection, but until recently, I've tended to think a little of that goes a long way. These days I'm embracing more time alone, away from the noise and distractions of other people's arcs of ideas and opinions.
"Every woman is a rebel." - Oscar Wilde
I've always been a bit of a rebel; if someone is doing one thing; I want to do the opposite. Trends rarely interest me; individuality and creativity trumps in almost every instance. So even though I'm getting older - and there are many goals still to accomplish - I'm proud that I continue to walk my own path. Long ago, I chose the road less traveled and it's been sometimes rocky, but always adventurous. I hope I don't reach the end of this eventful journey for many more years to come.
Bungamati, Nepal.