|
(Disclaimer, or self-indictment, or something: I am in my early 40s.) Of course we are making incredibly broad generalizations here. But what part of what you are saying is incompatible with the post to which you reply? Self-awareness is frequently painful. Not everyone reacts the same way, or well. Personally, I do find that I'm reflecting differently than I used to on choices I've made, opportunities missed, times I've been less than the human I want to be, and it isn't all zen gardens and rainbows. People react to disappointment, shame, unfairness, etc. differently, and lashing out, trying to make up for lost time, and far more inexplicable reactions are all pretty common, I think. Not there yet, but I certainly hope that by the time I hit my 50s, I will have gained some equanimity about the more painful things in my life. And if not, I can always take up whacking the kids with my cane. |