I think we all struggle with the aging process sooner or later, usually around one of the “decade” birthdays. For some, the concerns begin at 30, others seem to sail through to 40, 50 or even 60 before the fact of their aging begins to bother them.

As far as how to deal with it, it often helps to extract out the particular features of aging that are the most difficult for you. Is it changes in appearance? The Empty Nest Syndrome? An increased awareness of death? Decreased physical stamina and strength? A sense that “it’s all downhill from here”? Most of us would probably answer, “Yes” to all of those and offer up additional ones. However, usually one or more will stand out and it helps to break it down into smaller bites and focus on the pivotal issue(s) first.

Aging offers us a gift — a challenge to look beyond the external things we’ve used to define ourselves and instead, to look within and discover the worth of who we really are. Grieve the necessary losses and then move on to discover the joys of knowing your inner richness.