Response to Simarjit Shergill’s Light From Many Lamps Post (Week 10)

This is my response to Simarjit Shergill’s post Light from many lamps. 

Hi Simarjit, thank you for your insightful post. How fitting that you chose this passage as it deals almost directly with your work! Aging is such a terrifying process for some people and sometimes I wonder how I will approach it as I grow older. At 28, old age feels far off in the future for me but I have to admit I am slightly dreading the idea of entering my thirties.

As a goal-oriented individual, I have certain expectations of achievements I would have by different milestones. Mostly, these expectations have driven and pushed me to achieve goals I might have otherwise procrastinated on, such as start this graduate program. However, when I read your post, I wonder if my sometimes unrealistic expectations could actually be harmful if they create a fear or reluctance of aging.

Understanding that the second half of one’s lifetime is just as important as the first creates excitement and enthusiasm of what is to come. I hope to be able to embrace aging in a way where I am always excited to see what the next year will bring me and to not always be dwelling on younger years.