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.
