Expansion-Contraction

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. (Nin)

Aging people should know that their lives are not mounting and unfolding but that an inexorable inner process forces the contraction of life. For a young person it is almost a sin - and certainly a danger - to be much too occupied with himself; but for the aging person it is a duty and a necessity to give serious attention to himself. (Jung)