I guess the first thing to happen was the hypo-throid condition I discovered I had at 51. Even with the medication, I still didn't regain anywhere near the energy level I had previously. It was (is) hard to remember to adjust the amount of work/play that I do, because if I overdo it, it takes me a week to recover! On those days when I want to clean and organize, I forget that I can't do it all anymore and need to take frequent pauses. Hell! I'm only 54. This sucks!
Then there's the holidays -- I used to be able to over-indulge at Xmas (doesn't everyone?) and cut out sweets after the holidays to bounce back to my pre-Xmas weight. Well, suddenly it didn't work like that anymore; the weight wouldn't come off after a month or two of just healthy eating and moderate exercise. And I found it almost impossible to maintain a rigid routine because of something called "life".
Ah yes, life! You see, 4 years ago, I was a hard-working but low-income, single mom of 3 girls living in an old house with a run down car. Life quite frequently caved in around me -- kids, work, house and/or car repairs! Life was soooo stressful for soooo long! And stress causes ones body to go into panic mode and hang on to those extra fat stores. Plus it depletes your energy and can cause bouts of depression! And I was raised in a family where you dealt with heartache and/or victory in one way -- food! There's a lot of comfort to be found in food, especially when there isn't a set of loving, manly arms to surround you!
My life now? Well, 4 years later things have changed a lot. I have a couple of great bosses, a good car, a smaller and newer home; only one child left at home (although you never give up raising them do you?). Life certainly has been less stressful this past year than it used to be. And I've been trying to respond to this "better life" by attempting to lead what I consider to be a "better lifestyle". I've continued to go to the gym and eat lots of fruits and veg and get my calcium. I get up in the morning and do my hair and make-up and put on my pretty office clothes. I pray and worship; and I laugh as often as I can. I try to be the best me that I can be. But here's what I've found lately.
Life still has it's stresses -- naturally! But I'm not able to handle the same amount of stress as I could even 4 years ago. And I'm oh so tired of fighting this endless fight ! I long for - my body and my mind and my soul long for comfort, peace and simplicity. These are all good things to aspire to, right? So, my question is, when and where do I draw the line?
I'm aging! The deterioration and destruction of my human shell is inevitable. How I look and feel today is probably the best it's ever going to be! And yes, there's a certain amount of vanity in me, so I don't like the new wrinkles, the dark circles under my eyes, the sagging and the paunch! I'd like to stave off looking like a senior as long as possible. But do I have it in me to keep trying? And is there even any purpose to it anymore?
No. 1. I have to diet and workout like the dickens for months and months just to lose a few ounces a week! I'm in there with those 20, 30 & 40 yr olds doing Turbo-kick, sweating like a pig barely able to lift my feet off the floor while their knees are hitting their chins. It's very humbling! The exercise makes me feel better, but the weight still hangs on!
No. 2. I love to eat healthy - salads and yogurt and whole grains. (I need those things as well -- along with the occasional bran muffin or glass of prune juice!) But I also love the comfort to be found in such things as a homecooked "meat and potatoes" meal or a piece of homemade pie or a bar of good quality chocolate. And I love the simple joy of a good book with an equally good glass of wine; or a cold beer after working hard in the garden all afternoon. But these are things that sabotage my so-called "diet"; any weight loss is quickly cancelled out.
I've spent countless dollars on Weight Watchers and exercise programs. I've got the work-out gear and a cupboard full of videos and DVD's to help me. I try to eat healthy; I make sure I take time for myself. When I'm feeling down, I try to rally myself -- like a personal cheerleading team inside my little head -- "Think positively! Remember how good this all is for your body! Eat the right foods, get lots of sleep; de-stress! You go girl! Rah, rah, rah!".
But you know what? It's all such hard work, and there's no room these days for back-sliding. Life is hard and back-sliding is easy! So, if I'm going to back-slide (and quite frankly, that's a given for me and my track record!), then I should do it in areas where it isn't illegal, won't harm me or the people I love, and it doesn't displease God.
So, today I'm thinking that other than perhaps a little gentle yoga or a walk on the beach, exercise is probably out! And although I do still believe in moderation in all things, I will not give up my chocolate or my wine as long as I'm eating my salad and bran. I will try to embrace and [dare I say] learn to love my aging self.
There are things I must do -- work for a living, persue God, pay my taxes and go to the bathroom! But I must also attempt to achieve the quality of life that I long for -- one of comfort, peace and simplicity. At 54, I believe that I have to accept that the way to do that is by giving up some things that most of society (and all of Hollywood) say are necessary for this aging population -- fighting the steady march of time and its affects on me!
So, that's what I'm trying to come to grips with. My energies will go to the positives I find, and I will find my acceptance in what God says I am and in the way that He has made me.
