Keeping It Real
by Dionna Sanchez
What is Age Anyways?
I have been thinking lately about my age. For whatever reasons, I have been around (or faced with the topic of) older people lately more than usual. My daugher has also been asking me how old I am. I guess her and a friend at school were discussing how old their moms were. Luckily for me – she told me, "You are so young!" Whew!
I am 34 years old. I am not going to be one of those people who tries to hide their age. But – at the same time I can't believe that I am 34 years old!! I don't feel 34. I feel more like I am still in my 20's. Maybe that's because I still feel like such a young girl most of the time. Like everyone else knows the things that I'm still learning for the first time.
But I am faced with the fact that I am not as young as I feel inside more often than I care to admit. Whether it's with new health issues that sneak up on me, being out of shape when I try to keep up with the "young-uns", or just having to scroll down to check-mark the age-appropriate box... I am reminded that I am getting older
And I wonder... do others feel like I do? Do you look in the mirror and see yourself as 10 or 5 years younger than you actually are? Does it bother you that you are getting older or do you embrace it? Sometimes I feel conflicted inside. I want to sit and relax with the "adults" but I also want to be out laughing and running with the kids (even though I get out of breath quickly).
I truly think that you are as young as you feel. Or maybe I should say as "alive" as you feel. Because being youthful really is feeling more alive isn't it? So I hate it when people are constantly telling me that I am getting old. They make me "FEEL" old and slow when they say that!! I want to feel energized and youthful as long as I can. Not to prove something to myself – but to enjoy life as much as I can. I didn't really have many "carefree" days in my life where I could only consider myself. I was on my own maybe 3 years before I committed to get married and then I became a full-time mom to my stepson immediately. Sometimes that makes me feel old just because I have felt responsibility in my life for so long. And yet on the other hand – that makes me also feel young because I have been around young people for a long time too. And when you are around others who are younger than you – you can't help but feel energized by their enthusiasm for life.
So, yes - I've been contemplating my age lately. Life does go quickly. More so when your children are growing up and their age progression shows you how quickly time can be lost.
But it's all a matter of perspective. I don't want to be my own worst enemy slowing myself down because I see the pages of life turning by. Instead, I want to look at it like a gift. A gift of time that I have won not lost because I am alive and I am able to see my children grow up, and I am able to evolve and grow as an individual. I want to mature as gracefully as I can and be proud of the grey hair when it comes my way instead of fighting it like it's the enemy. I think my own mind can be the enemy in a culture that is "age and beauty obsessed."
So, I may be 34 – but I feel only 28. And I'm not going to let anyone else make me feel bad about that. And if it makes me feel better to think I'm still "young" (or full of life) – what's the harm in that? As long as I don't become obsessed with age and beauty and can embrace life where I'm at. I can have fun, love and appreciate life, and still not embarrass myself for not acting my age. Can't I?
Just don't let me wear a miniskirt when I turn 83... J
Dionna Sanchez is the Founder of the Emphasis On Moms Ministry. She encourages moms to enjoy the every day little things in life. View more articles at: http://www.emphasisonmoms.com/articles2.htm
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