This morning on Metro I realized I was wearing a purple jacket, holding a phone with a purple cover and wearing glasses with a purple frame.

It’s just a coincidence, I told myself. I’m not turning into one of those old women who wears purple. Not that there’s anything wrong with the color. But I’d rather not wait till I’m old to wear it — and, more to the point, I’d rather not wait till I’m old to be a free spirit.

Yes, there’s something to be said for how years lessen the esteem with which we hold the opinions of others. Maybe that’s because we’ve seen more foolishness. But I hope it’s because we’re more tolerant of ourselves and others, that we’ve grown in compassion as well as nerve. If that’s what frees us … then bring it on.