Welcome To 62!

The post I was writing in my head last night when I couldn't sleep was much different than the version that I'm writing now. The other was dour and sad. What is it about the darkness of night that makes our thoughts go to what isn't rather than what is?

Today is my birthday. I've been feeling a little blue about it, not because I'm getting older (okay, a LITTLE bit because I'm getting older), but because I miss my mom the most on my birthday. It's been 6 birthdays since I've gotten a call from her with the running joke about how MISERABLE she was X number of years ago while birthing 10 lb.,1 oz. me. And in my sleeplessness last night, this was playing on a loop in my mind. 

It's daylight now, and the sad has slipped back into the shadows. There is birthday cake and ice cream to eat and calls and birthday wishes on social media and a family Zoom call to come. Pollyanna is back, and here are my Ten Things of Thankful, subtitled On Being 62:

Since my goal is to live to at least 104, I am just now middle aged.

I don't care a whole lot what other people think about me anymore. I'm finally taking the advice I've always given my kids that people really don't give much thought to anyone else but themselves, anyway, so quit worrying about it.

I have learned to avoid arguments by saying "whatever" and walking away.

I have embraced my silver hair for three years now. Does it surprise me sometimes when I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror? Yes, yes, it does, but I wouldn't go back to coloring it for anything.

Comfortable shoes are my jam. I am in love with Allbirds sneakers, have probably a dozen pairs in all different colors, and wear them pretty much every day.

I can jump around with my preschoolers at movement time, and I can out-dance them when we have Fun Day Friday dance parties. This week, we danced to "Saturday Night" by the Bay City Rollers, and they were dropping like flies while I kept going, so take that!

I have grown more passionate about causes that I find important and work in whatever way I can, big or small, to promote them.

I'm very into self preservation, as in not hurting myself via falling or lifting. Gets me out of things I don't want to do.

I am not afraid to ask for a senior discount. 

I will never wish my life away, but I do look forward to the future. In spite of those thoughts and worries that creep in on sleepless nights, I have a terrific life that includes my wonderful family and friends and so many things to experience and accomplish in the next 40+ years.

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