Getting Older

Yesterday, I had my annual check up with my cardiologist.
Among the questions he asked me was, “Are you still running?”
“Yes,” I replied, “but I am going slower than I used to.”
I was expressing my reality, but it raised warning flags in his cardiologist’s mind.
Slower than when?
How long had I been feeling this way?
As we sat down in his office after my stress test, he looked up from reading my EKG and said, “You are right. You are going slower because you are getting older.”
I have to admit I sometimes get frustrated by my “going slower.”
My mind remembers when running was easier.
And faster.
And longer.
Now it is slower and shorter and harder.
(And not just running. Many things!)

I am realizing that my remembering how it once was is tricky.
It can make today frustrating and diminish the importance of what I can do today.
I am realizing I need to allow my memories to be just that. Memories.
And, then turn towards today and be grateful for what today holds.
And what I am able to do today.
And for the very real privilege of growing older.