I have always believed that our reality is formed by our perception, and our perception is the way we choose to see things. Well, I choose to see age and getting older as something beautiful. I do not want, nor am I interested in, trying to "stay young." Now, I don't mean to say I am ready for checkers or rocking chairs... far from it! Rather, I choose to strive towards acceptance of the changes the life cycle confers upon us, while maximizing the gifts only years provide.
A couple of years after crossing the threshold of age 50, I sat down to put pen to paper capturing my thoughts on this next chapter of my life. I realized the lines on my face were a reflection of the laughter and the tears I had encountered so far. A lot of life went into my 50-plus-year-old face! The wider hips, sagging breasts and expanding waistline were representative of the tremendous change I was in the midst of. These physical transitions were outward reflections of what was changing within -- physically and emotionally.
Then, I wrote this song:
"Life with a Twist"
When I was young, I was thin and kinda pretty
I'm much older now, waistline's gone, what a pity
I need a new stance and a hip new passion
But I'm runnin' on 'e', got no money, got no passion
It's time for life with a twist, not just in my martini
Old rules out, new rules in, I just gotta be me
Whether I'm fat or thin doesn't even matter
I said older is in... hips and lines can flatter
How'd I ever get to the other side of fifty
It happened so fast, youth was gone so quickly
I need a new stance and a hip new passion,
But I'm runnin' on 'e,' got no money, got no passion
It's time for life with a twist, not just in my martini
Old rules out, new rules in, I just gotta be me
Whether I'm fat or thin doesn't even matter
I said older is in... hips and lines can flatter
Here I am, more than middle-aged,
And what I've learned so far
Is to savor each and every page
In this book of life filled with hopes and dreams
As I look back, to me, somehow it really seems
If we make a choice each and every day
To believe in ourselves it will carry us along the way
So give me life with a twist, not just in my 'tini
Old rules out, new rules in and nothing's gonna stop me
Whether I'm blonde or grey is inconsequential
Older's leading the way... older chicks are special!
(Copyright 2009 Deb Carlin Polhill. You can hear the song here.)
Well, that was several years ago. So much more life has happened since. Within those years since 50, I have experienced both the best in my life with the birth of my granddaughter, Emma Adele and the worst devastation in my life with the passing of my youngest daughter, Cait Chivonne.
I am happy to say I am living my life... with a twist. I am embracing the gift of each day and all it brings with it -- the good, the bad, the happy and the sad. I believe in myself, and I love who I am with all my faults and flaws. I am thankful for the youth I was blessed with and grateful for the opportunity to age. I look forward to additional life experiences and lessons.
So, go ahead, raise your martini with me! Here's to life! Here's to allowing ourselves to be just that ... our selves. Here's to changing the societal rules which place unnecessary holds upon our minds, our bodies, our attitudes and our growth. Here's to us all!