Lately I’ve been hearing more and more people—and you know who you are—complain, however humorously, about being “old”. This may seem benign, but it encourages a mindset that dwells on the negative and that’s never healthy.

So I’m dedicating this post to my delightful, vibrant and beautiful cousin Helen (shown above), who is 93 years young. Helen has had her share of challenges in life, but she faces every day with energy, enthusiasm and passion. She still lives in Manhattan, where she traipses about the city to museums, lectures and the symphony; she also works and travels the world for the UN, raising awareness of the needs and contributions of the elderly. Check out this inspiring video.

I’m not in denial about the passage of time, but here’s the thing: We may be grayer, wider, gassier and slower, but don’t think for a minute that our best years are behind us! Kiss that rosy glow of nostalgia goodbye and do a happy dance that these (and more) are in the past:

• Gym class
• Tie-dye anything
• Canned spaghetti
• “Second base” in the back of a Chevy
• Ironing our hair
• Avocado and harvest gold appliances
• Hot pants
• Ripple, Boone’s Farm, Cold Duck, Thunderbird and Wild Irish Rose
• Learning to parallel-park
• Songs like “Feelings”, “I Honestly Love You” and “Billy, Don’t Be a Hero”
• First job jitters
• Paisley shirts, especially on men
• The Thighmaster

And let’s look ahead to what the future holds:

• Legalized pot across the U.S. —who’d a thunk it??
• Retirement, a.k.a. time to read War and Peace, learn new languages or binge-watch every episode of The Real Housewives
• Space travel (Can I book a one-way ticket for my ex?)
• The Rolling Stones’ 75^th Anniversary tour
• Seaweed that tastes like bacon
• Your daughter acknowledging how hard motherhood is
• Finally being considered “wise”

Of course we’ve all got stuff to worry about, but it’s easier to cope if we keep reminding ourselves of everything good in our lives: friends, family (well, perhaps not all of them), pinot noir, music, and the roof over our heads—even if it needs to be painted and maybe leaks a little.

Life wasn’t perfect even in the “good old days”. Besides, if you think you’re old now, just wait another ten years.