Needless to say, I am not excited about this milestone. My body has already started the 50's prep even though my brain is shouting No!!! I have begun to have aches and joint pains (when did THAT happen?) that I can only assume it is due to "my age". (Good heavens, even my language is betraying me.) I can no longer sit comfortably on the floor without the aid of floor pillows. Furthermore, standing/walking after sitting on the floor requires great effort. Metabolism has decided to move south. My daily attire now sports an elbow brace due to my tennis elbow. (I've never even played tennis!!) I have been diagnosis with bursitis of the shoulder (bursitis ... even the word sounds old). Glucosamine and Tylenol are now served as appetizers before my morning meal. AND I have begun wearing shoe inserts on a more regular basis due to my foot issues. This has gotten totally out of control.
All that being said, it is time to show this body who is in charge. Armed with a new attitude, a new pair of shoes, and a new pilates DVD, I am determined to show the big 5-0 who's really boss. No longer do I enjoy a Sonic coke and cheddar bites for lunch but instead indulge in yogurt, wheat thins, and snow peas. Water is my daily go-to drink. Planking and walking are becoming daily activities and I am determined to score "Hot!" on my new Zumba Wii fitness game. This is going to be MY year.
Ironically, my Power of One word choice for this year is "Endurance", inspired by the scripture from Hebrews 12:1-2 "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." The term endurance is defined as the ability to do something difficult for a long time. Making changes is not easy. Striving for life goals is not easy. Living our lives in order to be better physically, mentally, and spiritually is not easy. But the end goal is so worth the pain, the hardships, the setbacks and so, God-willing, I will endure this race!
Bring it on, half-century milestone. I'm ready for you, right after I eat my chocolate chip poptart.