Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Numbers, Naps, and Comfy Socks

There was a point in time, not so very long ago, when my focus was learning the lyrics to new songs, cheerleading, and boys.  Now-a-days I'm more concerned with cutting coupons, making lists, and watching my kiddos grow up.   What was once deciding on what to wear for my first day of school w has morphed into which pair of comfy socks would be the warmest.  Those are just a few noteworthy differences in being a teen and being an adult...in my 30's.

That's right, I'm officially in my mid-thirties.  According to one study, many people believe that youth ends at 35!  So now that I've turned 36 I'm old??  Good grief...that is 100% depressing.  I don't always feel young, but I definitely don't want a survey telling me how I should be feeling.  Regardless, 35 has revealed more about the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of life.

1.  Gone are the days I stay up late and just hang out.  These days I punch my time card at 9:00 and am usually asleep by 10:00.  More times than not I am indeed a party pooper.

2.  The mirror has now become my enemy.  Every. Single. Time I take a peek at myself another gray hair appears.  To make it worse...those said hairs seem to multiply throughout the day!

3.  Naps have now become a part of my life.  It's true.  Not very long ago I was a firm believer that by taking naps I was actually sleeping my life away.  It was the number one indicator that my age was creeping up and I was indeed slowing down.  The truth hurts.

4.  Now for the cruelest part of being in my 30's...the difficulty of losing weight and the unfortunate pull of gravity!!  Why did I think I would be exempt from these vicious changes?  I have absolutely no idea.  But as my daughter would say, the struggle is real.

5.  Turns out I'm really not going to live forever.  I don't think I ever actually believed I was never going to die, but I definitely remember feeling invincible to anything bad.  I was always going to be healthy...I could eat what I want...pass me another soda please.  Was I ever wrong.

However, there is some beauty to becoming older and wiser.

1.  Yes, I do go to bed much earlier, but I sure feel rested and happy to see my kiddos in the morning!  (coffee first, smiles second)  If I was constantly running on fumes, I would never appreciate all the cuddles, the hugs, and the love around me!  My heart is so full and I am confident it's because I am listening to my body now.

2.  Hmmm, as for the ever-changing reflection in the mirror.  I'm all for being natural, but there's something extra special and crazy exciting to be able to pamper myself at the hair salon routinely!  *Poof!  Gray's be gone*  Paying for it makes me cringe just a little, but being able to switch things up is pretty fun!

3.  Naps.  I was pleasantly surprised to read that a short, 20 minute nap would enhance alertness, concentration, and elevate your mood!  Boom!  What once felt like a complete waste of time have become my very best friend.  The very best times to rest are Sunday afternoons.  I do believe God makes those extra special since we are honoring his day of rest.


4.  The changes in my body are tough to swallow.  Which is originally why running was thrown into my mix..  It originated with wanting to burn calories, but has now taken on a life of its own.  I LOVE TO RUN!!!  Talk about a mid-life awakening!  The challenges, the discomfort, the sweat have all become things I love about it!  In fact, I'm running my first half in January and I am so stoked!!  Although it does not completely stop the gravitational pull, building muscle sure makes a difference.

5.  Statistics say that 1:1 person dies.  Depressing?  Possibly.  But knowing that, is what makes me run toward the healthy stuff.  I want to take care of myself so I can be here to watch everything that my children are going to accomplish.  I want to spend every day that I possibly can with my Mike.  I want to be physically ready for anything!  Of course I have a way to go, but I'm feeling pretty good about the journey!    So, gone are the days of ordering greasy, fried  mystery meat on a bun and hello to grilled chicken salads with the dressing on the side.  



My darling husband took me out to eat, just the two of us.


When we got home from out delicious dinner, I walked inside to be 
greeted/surprised/scared to death by some of my 
most favorite people for a surprise celebration!  
Apparently, while we were out eating dinner, my kiddos were at home 
putting up decorations, food on the table, and making everything look amazing!
I could. not. believe they were all able to pull this off without me having any idea.



After dabbling into the sport of running, I have now fallen in love.
When my husband brought out my cake he told me I was definitely now a "runner."
He will probably never know how much those words meant to me.
Nor will he ever really know how touched I was by his efforts to make this one of the 
most perfect birthdays I've ever had.

I am so happy to be 36 and I simply cannot wait to see what this new year holds!

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