Wednesday, March 1, 2017

54...

     I recently came back from a trip with a few of my close, dear friends. We discussed the fact that we are all now, officially, middle aged. The question, always inevitable, came up: “How do you feel about being your age?” I am 1 month & 3 days into my 54th year. All of a sudden I had an epiphany. I realized that I’m happy. This is not a transient, “I’m where I need to be” stage dictated by others.

     I’ve lived a great life, yet not without the turmoil we all face when we have truly lived life in all of its richness. I have stretch marks which bear witness to the fact that I have given birth and I am a mother. I have a few lines on my face which are a testament to the life I have led thus far. I am not perfect; no one is. But I realized that I am, truly and completely happy. I have a few good friends and family members who I genuinely love and who genuinely love me. I am closer to the Holy Spirit than I have ever been. As such, I am able to give of myself to others in a way that makes my life (and I pray their lives) richer. I am taking care of myself in all ways. Along with prayer, the newly found practice of yoga has become a part of my daily life. It has transformed my mind and body. I have lost 100+ pounds and I am stronger than I have ever been.

     A few months back I looked in the mirror. I discovered that having lost a major amount of weight I was skinny.  Not the type of skinny of the runway models we see on the catwalk.  I’m referring to the fact that I now had the body of a 12-year-old boy! As such, I began mindfully, purposefully practicing yoga. My goal has been to become stronger, to reflect on the outside how I felt on the inside. Here's the thing: I don’t have the body (or mind) of a 21-year-old. Heck, I don't even have the body of a 40-year-old. But you know what? I look damn good for “a woman of a certain age.”  The best part of my story? I have many more years of life to live & many more adventures to experience. Life is good.