The mirror does not lie...
it reflects
with startling accuracy
and if I catch a glimpse of myself
I quickly look away!
I do not like to look of the stranger staring back at me.
I never have been comfortable having pictures taken either...
(I have posted a few carefully edited here on the blog,
which took courage and encouragement )
I am generally happy, have an amazing family, wonderful friends, a roof over my head, a great job that I love and so far, few aches and pains.
Life is good.
(pinch me)
Grateful for so many wonderful and simple things...
I take nothing for granted.
(cancer has touched our lives too many times)
So why am I entertaining
or relating these thoughts?
Musings...
not of a new bag or a pair of shoes...
stuff that is well, for want of a word, more real.
I am curious how you are transitioning into the body of an older woman.
Is what's inside in sync with what is outside?
Am I alone with this thought?
I do feel "young" for my 56 years.
I spend hours in solitude, weeding the garden and listening quietly to thoughts as they bubble up and surface.
I feel that I might be clinging to an ideal of youth that is long passed it's best before date!
We all know a wise woman who is comfortable in her own skin....therein lies our hope.
She's the woman that we study from across the room.
Observing her classic outfit and simple, yet elegant, jewels.
As she converses she smiles broadly showing off her laugh lines, as if they were her newest and chicest accessory!
There's a twinkle in her eyes...they sparkle across the room.
She is not sleep walking through life, she is energetic and vital...she has energy.
She's the gal whose been to the latest Gallery exhibit, is currently reading a best seller, and has just been on, or is planning a fabulous trip.
She could be an active board member or a volunteer, she may play bridge or be a weekly lawn bowler.
She has dates and events scribed on her social calendar.
Balance is key,
she is wise enough to know when to take a nap or a weekend off.
If there was an image for the definition of wisdom and grace it would look just like her.
There is an art to aging gracefully...I would love to know the secret.
a few things come to mind...
Embracing Joy whole heartedly will help transition the obvious physical changes.
While lowering expectations might be a quick way out I will not give over to polyester pull on pants and will continue to dress with an eye for what is current, comfortable and not clingy!
Acceptance and knowing limits.
Make an art of everyday domestics they are comfortable rituals.
Rest, hydrate, relax...
Yoga.
Movement is a Must! "Use it or Lose it"keeping those muscles elastic and strong and ward off osteoporosis.
Trying something new to stimulate the grey cells which goes a long way to revving up enthusiasm.
Reinvent yourself!
Shake up what might be routine and add some spice to life...bring on the cajun, and pepper!
Seek out beauty in all things....
Take yourself less seriously and laugh more often, even if you laugh at yourself.
Self deprecating humour has it's value!
NOW...
turn that mirror around
and
FOCUS ON OTHERS!
Let your years shine bright and radiate...
wisdom does come with age!
Enjoy the person that you aspire to be...
fake it until you make it and the rest, my dear, is history!
A perfectly decent dress for a sunny day of errands
pale bare legs
and
painted toes
in pretty sandals.
I am simply putting one foot in front of the other and going about the rounds.
Greeting those that I meet
with a smile
not judging
and
taking time to chat with those that I encounter
when doing business
and
helping when opportunities present themselves.
Heart felt thanks...
in gratitude
I am your Humble Hostess
Mary Engelbreit
said it best.
"Bloom Where You are Planted"
P.S. Do not forget my giveaway
I posted it yesterday
good luck!
