Age and Change

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” – Mark Twain

I'm reminded more and more that I'm getting older. We're getting older. I had hours' worth of conversation with my sister the other day. During and after our talk, I was aware of how age has changed the topic of our conversations.

We conversed about occupations; details about pros and cons of our jobs, pain points with coworkers and teamwork, thoughts of leaving and starting somewhere new, looking for ways to advance personally and professionally. This involved talk of pursuing apprenticeships, certifications, and higher education.

We discussed retiring, pensions, and 401ks. We discussed ways to make secondary income and investing in stocks. As a child these words were like a foreign language to me. I recall hearing this terminology mentioned before, by my mom, an aunt, or an uncle, even a grandparent, but I had no knowledge of what was being discussed. Additionally, no interest in learning about it before I "needed to."

At our big ages, we still don't fully understand these terms in their entirety.

As our conversation continued, we touched on the economy, inflation, the cost of adulting, paying bills, ideal living situations, and romantic relationships. Me and my sister have always been more focused on academics and upward mobility than relationships, men, and children. We've never been the off/on again or long-term relationship type. We normally turn up our noses at cutesy and lovey dovey things so the opportunity to talk about things under that umbrella were always slim to none. I enjoyed that part of the conversation for that reason.

It reminded me of our individual growth and our need to check in as sisters more often. I can't help but view my baby sis as anything but that. And even though I can constantly acknowledge my physical, emotional, and mental growth, I always forget to do that with her. I continue to view her as the little girl whose hair I used to braid and play dolls with, forgetting to acknowledge how much she's grown and evolved. How her thoughts and actions have grown and evolved.

Sitting, listening and exchanging feelings and emotions about love interests with my baby sis. I honestly never thought I'd see the day.

We talked about health and how to maintain good health, in the face of diseases that plagues our family and the black community in general.

We talked about starting a business. Offering what product or service? We don't know yet, but entrepreneurship is something we were introduced to at a young age. We both love to hate on our time at Camp Exposure. While we weren't super excited about the social aspect of it, we enjoyed the new experience, learning new things and seeing new sights. We were in Middle School but were indulged in mature conversations about dining etiquette, formal table settings, resumes, job hunting, and entrepreneurship.

Before I knew it the conversation was still going, we'd switched to talking about great performers/entertainers like Beyonce and Michael Jackson, society's hate and disregard for plus size women (in addition to black women, and women in general), and travelling.

I can talk to my sister for hours, which is no secret to me. We're older but thankfully not growing apart though we no longer live together or see each other every day.

My sister is one of my best friends. I knew that a long time ago. I've been sharing with and confiding in her for years but our recent talk left me with a slightly different feeling. A slightly ambivalent, but overall good feeling.

I'm reminded more and more that I'm getting older. We're all getting older.

Speaking of getting older, I recently turned 30 and I'm excited to see what this new era has in store. I'm looking forward to growing more personally and professionally, making more memories with loved ones, maintaining good health, learning more, and having more fun.

Getting older. Does it excite or scare you?