Just last night, (September 21) I held my first ladies only event called: Let’s Chat. There were about 20 ladies in attendance of all ages from ages 21 to 71. The purpose of the event is to provide a safe environment for women to fellowship with one another and to just talk. I believe this kind of atmosphere is needed and I’m glad I was chosen to spearhead it in my community.

We played an upgraded version of What’s in Your Purse game that got really competitive. “The list said 20% off coupon so your 25% doesn’t count.” “That nude lip color isn’t pink.” “The grocery receipt has to be between $10-$20, sorry ma’am yours is too much.” “Those are vitamins not a prescription!” This competitiveness made us bust out laughing.

As the night continued, we got into our discussion on forgiveness. I shared my stories of forgiveness and asked if others have had struggles with forgiving. Well to my surprise, the older ladies had a continual theme to their responses. “At my age; I’ve learned that it is important to forgive especially if I want God to forgive me of all the things I’ve done. I make sure to keep a clean slate.” And another, “At my age, I don’t get offended easily and if I am, I just tell them and then I go on.” And then another, “At my age…”

A day later, I realize those sisters said way more than they may know. “At my age…” Well, in a literal sense, they basically stated that at their stage in life, at their age (which was 55+); that they have learned valuable lessons over the years that has helped mold them into truly mature women. Mature enough to say “I’m sorry.”

Mature enough to warmly greet you despite of how you treat them. Mature enough to know right from wrong. Mature enough to accept her responsibility when she is in the wrong. Mature enough to put things into perspective and know what’s important. Mature enough to know that this one life we have must be lived and lived in harmony.

A day later and I’m saying to myself, I want that. I want that wisdom and that maturity. Why not? Why do I have to wait? I shouldn’t have to wait until I’m their age to realize that all of these daily nuances, negativity, nonsense isn’t worth the breath I give to it. Why do I have to wait to live in peace? Why can’t I be in peace right now? Why can’t my days go smoothly without all the pettiness?

Well…to be quite honest, no one or nothing is stopping me from having that “At my age” position right now right where I’m at but…me. If I’m upset with someone, the power is within me to end those emotions. If I need to forgive them, that’s simple too, work on forgiving that person. Heck, don’t know how, hit Google and there is a plethora of literature available to lend techniques you can employ.

Whatever it is that is preventing us from living our best life, we have the power to change and control. Now trust I understand we can’t control everything that happens to us. Many have unexplainable diseases they are fighting. Such situations I’m not even speaking on. I’m referring to those Petty Avenue situations: hatred, jealousy, envy, backstabbing, criticism, rolling of your eyes type pettiness.

Let me try it. At my age, I refuse to settle. At my age, it’s NOT too late to chase my dream. At my age, I can love like I’ve never been hurt before. At my age, I can keep a good work-life balance. And not feel guilty if I don’t from time to time. At my age, I will apologize and admit my wrongs. At my age, if the other person can’t apologize, I won’t wait on it. At my age, I will LIVE and not die. At my age, I know this is my life and I’m in charge of making it grand.

Will you join me? It’s your turn. At your age…

Thanks for your attention. Remember you are your own competition.

Competitionof1