What Age Are You?

This message is printed on a little plaque in the studio where I trained in Charleston. Every time I see it I smile and thoughtfully ask myself “how old are you at this moment?”  My answers vary a lot and after a lesson I am always somewhere in my twenties or thirties. 

Do you “feel” your age? Do you even think about it most days? 

Truth be told, I don’t feel like I am 55; I don’t even know what 55 is supposed to feel like.  Over the years, I’ve often had to do quick math when someone asked my age.  Is it 48, 53…? No, my memory isn’t failing (haha), I’m just not fixated on age as a number.  

But let’s be real for a second.  My hips were a helluva lot looser 20 years ago! Staying up past 11pm is rare. I need all the serums, creams and oils: the ones that promise extra plumping.  Sure, some things are different at this point in my life, and taking care of my body and mind require a little more attention.  But why would I settle for anything less than feeling my best?  

The way I see it, we have a couple of choices.  The first is to complain about stiffness, inflammation, fatigue, and those little wings under our arms. Do nothing, and accept all of it as part of the process of “aging.”

The second is to make daily self care a real priority.  Practice gratitude, exercise, and rest.  Eat colorful, whole, healthy food every day because what you eat has a direct effect on how you feel. Drink lots of water. Get out in the fresh air as often as you can. Grab a set of hand weights (and self tanner) and burn those wings away.  Embrace all the positives: your wisdom, confidence, and experience.  And it goes without saying to laugh often and enjoy your wine. 

Just make sure that when your birthday rolls around, you celebrate YOU for the whole month!  Another year around the sun is actually a really big deal and you deserve it!

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