I don’t agree with Musa Sarner (No, age is not just a number – and soon we know that, the happiest, 14 July). One of the key messages in the article is the weather and wait no man – a phrase that can’t return to Chaucer in 1395, yet continued today. Sarner suggested that those who resist the natural passage of time will always be found less satisfaction than those who draw the stages of life with maturity and flexibility. It is a timely reminder that every chapter of life holds intrinsic value and that real growth is not about holding the youth but about the deeper versions of ourselves.
The phrase “age is only a number” may not be harmful, but as Sarner’s cautions, the more slogans of such slogans to come to old and change. Convenacity of emotional maturity and personal growth is not a gen zo millennial problem – it works with all generations. As a trainee psychotherapist (and undergo personal treatment of myself), I see how powerful self-roots are at the moment. The purpose of psychotherapy does not turn off the utterity or idealism of youth but to associate the attributes of self-grounded self. No book, Podcast or Clever Quotes can lower the act of growing – emotional, spiritual and psychological.
The Carrie Fisher actor once said: “Youth and beauty are not fulfilled.” Despite a culture that is healed by self-control, celebrating youth and aesthetic perfection, that message is always drowning. Sarner’s article is a welcome to welcome reality and responsibility. Perhaps, paradoxically, where true freedom is located.
Sinead Morris
Dunmurry, Belfast
Quantum physics apparently told us that all of the time is here. But time for creatures of flesh-and-bone creatures are closely experienced as a journey of growth and aging. I am 70, and a friend is bright assured me that 70 is new 40. But 40 I have raised two children; In 70 my children raise themselves. The maid, mother and the crone: In 70 I included them all, like wood rings.
While Tom is looking forward to Bring it with me: “Children who play at the end of the day / stranger sing our lawn / should be much more than flesh and bone / all you love all.
However, the work of growth takes a lifetime, however, says TS Eliot observing: “The weather of the rose and during the yewiter tree.”
Cecilia Lenagh
Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
I will be 82 this year – I spend the first 39 years of my life in England. The second 39 years in California. I went back to England four years ago. I don’t feel like a race. In fact there are a few things I can never – like running a hill or drink three beer pints to one to go – but that’s just the physical thing. In emotional, mental, spiritual and political I feel like I do 50 years ago.
In your article you have written the “harmful truth over time and losses that carry it”. I would suggest that it was a circle of a circle of wood you’ve seen right now. Invant in your memories, take advantage of today – and see the future, however.
David Ashwell
Mawgan-in-meneage, Cornwall
Thank you for your understanding understanding of a thousand losses of an experience as a mother when simultaneously celebrating for your child and both mourning for the beautiful children’s moments to mean life.
The term “empty nest” could never stop the whole emotional depth, while “gooster” to his daughter became his scooter. I still miss “Huggy Bugs” who is mysterious and badly inspiring my daughter (now 25) in the morning room, not to show up after the age of 11.
Sheryl crown
Wivenhoe, Essex
