🌟 Aging Gracefully In the Blink of an Eye

Angie Sandow
Nov 5
4 min read

Ever notice how time speeds up the older we get? One minute we’re young and invincible, and the next we’re aging gracefully, wondering how our favourite rock stars suddenly have grey hair—or worse, aren’t around at all.

This month, as I celebrate 42 years with my husband, Lloyd, I’ve been reflecting on how quickly it all happens—and how laughter, love, and perspective make every mile of the journey worth it.

🕰️ Where Did the Time Go?

Here I am—celebrating 42 years with Lloyd—and honestly, it feels like we just met. I blinked, and somehow, decades flew by.

At this stage of life, many of my friends and I find ourselves asking the same thing:

Where did the time go? When did this happen?

It’s a strange feeling when the heroes we grew up with—our favourite musicians, actors, and actresses—are either gone or have, as they say, one foot in the grave.

When I was young, life felt endless. Immortal. I remember wondering how old I’d be when the year 2000 rolled around and thinking, “Late 30s—still young!”

My parents were forty years older than I and always tried to explain how fast life goes by.

💬 “Life Goes By in the Blink of an Eye”

My dad used to say that all the time. In my twenties, it went in one ear and out the other. He also said, “When you hit your 60s, things don’t heal as fast—if they heal at all.”

He kept in great shape and had a wonderful sense of humour about aging. He’d laugh and say, “At a certain age, things don’t get better—they just hang around.” Back then, I laughed too. Now? Let’s say… I understand exactly what he meant. 😅

💪 Still Doing the Same Exercises—And Still Grateful

In my twenties, I began feeling hip pain from the imbalance between my left and right sides. My physiotherapist, Sandy, told me in my early thirties that I might need hip replacement surgery in my 60s.

That seemed so far away—as in never. Yet here I am, still doing the same exercises. Aging gracefully, still walking, still laughing, and still grateful that I can.

Despite the aches, I’m still a kid inside—and so is Lloyd.

We’re celebrating our 42nd anniversary by seeing Dwight Yoakam—not once, but twice! (He owes me for skipping that YES concert years ago—and trust me, I’m never letting him forget it.)

❤️ The Joy of the Journey

That’s what life’s about—laughter, love, and having someone in your corner through the good and the bad.

When I was managing teams in my corporate career, I often passed along the same wisdom my parents gave me.

They grew up during the Depression—times were hard. They didn’t know if there’d be food on the table or heat in the house. They wore hand-me-downs, worked hard, and saved every penny.

They taught me to do the same: work hard, appreciate what you have, and don’t take time for granted.

💻 “Step Away From the Laptop!”

When I managed young professionals, I noticed the same drive I once had—the same fear of falling behind. They worked long hours, often without being asked.

I’d have to remind them:

“Step away from the laptop. Get some fresh air. Move. Laugh a little.”

I must have sounded just like my parents did when I was their age. And I rarely took lunch breaks myself back then—afraid I’d miss a deadline.

But now, looking back, I see how right my parents were:

Life goes by in the blink of an eye. So enjoy your youth, your work, your play—and most of all, your people.

🏍️ Laugh, Love, and Ride On

Today, as I celebrate 42 years with the love of my life, I’m reminded that the best part of aging isn’t the number—it’s the gratitude, the laughter, and the joy that come from realizing how precious time really is.

So take that walk. Book that trip. Go to the concert. Laugh until your stomach hurts. Because in the end, those are the moments that matter most.

💬 Your Turn

Do you ever stop and wonder where the years went?

What’s one thing you’ve learned—or one memory you cherish—that reminds you just how fast time flies?

👇 I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments. Let’s celebrate the ride together!

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Looking for an Inspirational Humorist?

If your organization, club, school or conference is looking for a speaker who combines laughter, resilience, and real-life grit, I’d love to bring my stories to your stage. I speak about overcoming obstacles, thriving with a limb difference, navigating life after cancer, and finding the humour that keeps us all moving forward.

Let’s inspire some laughter — and a little perspective — together.

Born different, built strong — see you on the next turn.

ang

About the Author

Angie Sandow is an Inspirational Humourist, Author, and Speaker who proves that age and difference don’t define us — they empower us. Born with a limb difference and a breast cancer survivor, Angie rides a motorcycle with one hand, plays guitar with a prosthetic, and shares her story to inspire others to laugh, live fully, and embrace every “first” at any age.

👉 Learn more or book Angie to speak at your next event: BOOKING

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