Mary, that is so very true. Aging is certain as time moves whether we’re ready or not. But how we age is where the real story begins. Graceful aging isn’t about clinging to youth; it’s about owning each chapter with dignity, humor, and heart. It’s a mindset, not a mirror.
This is quite an insightful and provocative reflection on aging that begs the question of how to recognize when it’s time and find the courage to step back and savor, instead of racing the clock to squeeze out every waking hour of the alert years?My other, more ordinary question is, who is Ready to whom you refer?
Aging is inevitable, but surrender is optional. Everyday strive to embody this. Let me share the story behind the song I recently discovered.
The story behind the song “Don’t Let the Old Man In” is both personal and poignant and a rare instance of Hollywood, music, and mortality converging into something quietly powerful.
Here’s the background:
"Clint Eastwood was playing golf with Toby Keith in 2018 during a celebrity tournament. At the time, Eastwood was about to begin filming his movie The Mule, in which he starred and directed — at the age of 88.
Toby Keith asked him:
“How do you keep doing it? How do you keep working like this?”
Eastwood replied:
“I just don’t let the old man in.”
That line stuck with Keith.
The Song:
Keith went home and wrote the song “Don’t Let the Old Man In” in a single night, inspired entirely by Eastwood’s offhand remark. The lyrics are a meditation on aging, regret, resilience, and the fight to stay vital in the face of time.
Eastwood was so moved by the result that he used the song in The Mule — particularly during a critical emotional moment at the end of the film."
You know when it’s time. Acknowledging it with grace is another matter.
Mary, that is so very true. Aging is certain as time moves whether we’re ready or not. But how we age is where the real story begins. Graceful aging isn’t about clinging to youth; it’s about owning each chapter with dignity, humor, and heart. It’s a mindset, not a mirror.
Wow Ron , we have the same month and date as a birthday but mine is 7/6/1955 😊😊 life IS short , enjoy it!
Thank for this!
This is quite an insightful and provocative reflection on aging that begs the question of how to recognize when it’s time and find the courage to step back and savor, instead of racing the clock to squeeze out every waking hour of the alert years?My other, more ordinary question is, who is Ready to whom you refer?
Ugh! Nice catch. The author. Fixing now
Aging is inevitable, but surrender is optional. Everyday strive to embody this. Let me share the story behind the song I recently discovered.
The story behind the song “Don’t Let the Old Man In” is both personal and poignant and a rare instance of Hollywood, music, and mortality converging into something quietly powerful.
Here’s the background:
"Clint Eastwood was playing golf with Toby Keith in 2018 during a celebrity tournament. At the time, Eastwood was about to begin filming his movie The Mule, in which he starred and directed — at the age of 88.
Toby Keith asked him:
“How do you keep doing it? How do you keep working like this?”
Eastwood replied:
“I just don’t let the old man in.”
That line stuck with Keith.
The Song:
Keith went home and wrote the song “Don’t Let the Old Man In” in a single night, inspired entirely by Eastwood’s offhand remark. The lyrics are a meditation on aging, regret, resilience, and the fight to stay vital in the face of time.
Eastwood was so moved by the result that he used the song in The Mule — particularly during a critical emotional moment at the end of the film."
Bob — Thanks for this. I knew it was in The Mike but I didn’t know the backstory.
Toby could write
I don't know when I was born.
Hah! You made me spit my beer, JB.