Recently I came across these pictures on the internet and it was a reminder of how I’ve been feeling. I’ve heard it from others and totally let it go in one ear and out the other, but now I am beginning to reconsider the comments that I’ve heard from adults in their fifties and older. Comments like age is only a number until you start feeling your age; or one woman’s shock to see wrinkles and facial hair that seemed to grow overnight; to vows made to fight the aging process while others indulge with beauty treatments and exercise.
Even now I look into the mirror and see the swimming athlete I used to be and even after two children I was a size 6. But those days are long gone. Do I want them back? No, not really. What many of us baby boomers are realizing is that we think we can do the same things we used to do, but our bodies are telling us a different story through aches and pains. Some of my friends tell me things they used to do in their past like standing on his/her feet for 8 hours, swimming a 200 or 400 meter freestyle competition without being winded, running marathons, welding sculptures, climbing ladders and kneeling to pull weeds and plant flowers. Some retirees are running marathons in their 50’s and 60’s, bicycling 100 miles per day, boating and doing things they love. So does it really matter that you can’t do some of these activities any more when you’ve had an opportunity to take up new hobbies?
My answer is no. Why? Because we’ve learned many new things which have taken the place of these strenuous activities and we are wiser overall. What I see is that Boomers are realizing that time matters more now than when they were in their 30’s. What’s even better is that we now have the time to do something significant and make a difference. Some are mentoring young children, working in nonprofits to make a difference in their community, became care givers, driving seniors to doctor appointments and grocery stores, while others are continuing to work until they are 70.
Who am I today? I’m an individual who will make a difference in the lives of those around me. I’m still adventurous, full of life and can tackle anything. I’m a better version of my younger self. Who are you today?
Get The WORD Out! 