When I am 100 years old…

I will walk slowly,  soak in pink sun.

I will sit, listen to rain,  drip-drop into puddles.

I will close weary eyes,  breathe the scent of snow.

I will sip lemonade,  outlast the sourness on my face.

I will catch falling leaves,  rub weathered fingers across brittle edges.

When I am 100 years old…

I will laugh at what strikes me funny.

I will smile when I am happy.

I will cry when I feel the need.

And, I will frown when I am sad.

When I am 100 years old…

I will read,  on and on and on, until my eyes tire.

I will write,  with love and life and hope.

I will listen,  with understanding and encouragement.

I will question,  without fear of judgement.

When I am 100 years old…

I will still be me,  living and loving authentically, just as I do, today.

-Carrie Ruth Thonstad

#shineon