For years I have been dreading this birthday.  70 is the end I mused.  Is it because my parents were older when I was born and I grew up with people so much older than my peers parents?  No it was because they had suffered so much in life that as older people they were hopeless and depressed.  My assumption was that this was to be my state at the same age.  I have been practicing ageism against myself and thereby limiting my goals, my risk taking, my love of life.

I rebelled against the constraints my family tried to impose on me all my growing up years.  Every risk I took they cried in despair and I joyfully jumped into danger sure that I would survive.  When did I stop?  Enough, I am still the same person, I can move forward, I can meet challenges I can do this.