Opportunity? Or loss?

Last week I attended the funeral of a dear uncle and godparent. He was one of my favorites, and it wasn't easy to lose him.

As a friend said recently, "There seem to be more funerals lately." I guess that's bound to happen at a certain stage of life. It causes me to reflect on what it means to be the generation that will soon be out on the edge—or the forefront—depending on your point of view.

That can be a downer for you if you focus on death or on the fact of what you'll be missing out on once you're gone. But it can be inspirational to think about your role as a mentor, an elder, an encourager or whatever other word you'd like to put to it. We have so many wonderful opportunities as we age to pass on whatever wisdom we've gained, to encourage younger ones to find their place in life and to live into their authentic selves. It can be a wonderful time of life. There's so much need out there, and we have so much to offer.

As is so often the case, you can view aging from different vantage points. You can look at what little time you have left and feel the loss. Or you can look at all the opportunities that are ahead for you no matter how much time you have left. Choose carefully. Your happiness depends on your attitude.