Good For You

It’s relatively easy to assess one’s life for important themes or touchstones.  It’s a different process to look for the gaps -- to see the things you might want in your life that are absent.

As part of my gameplan for my fiftieth year, I’m giving some thought to precisely this:  what isn’t presently a part of my life that I’d like to be. 

Here are a couple of examples:

1.  ‘Treats’

Truthfully, self-care has not been a priority in my life so far.  I tend to get wrapped up in other things...until one day I catch a glimpse in a mirror and realize it’s been too many months since my last haircut.  Or I’ll glance down and see my fingernails look like they’ve gone through the woodchipper, which is a liability of living part time on a farm. 

The irony is that I like to get my hair cut.  It feels good.  It’s actually a treat for me.  As is a pedicure or a massage.  Or buying a bouquet of fresh flowers.  Or a wedge of some sinful, stinky cheese that has to be triple wrapped in plastic, lest it permeate the entire contents of the fridge (and jeopardize my marriage).

I do do these things...but on a random, spotty schedule. Certainly not on a regular basis.

This year, I’d like to develop the habit of treating myself well and often.  So I’m committing to indulge in (at least) 50 Treats during my fiftieth.

2.  Fitness

As I child I was not athletic.  Other than dance classes, I shied away from most physical pursuits. 

Ironically, I spent a good chunk of my forties as a part time fitness instructor teaching step, body sculpting, yoga, and more.  Unfortunately, I injured my hip and poof! my days as a gym rat were over. 

In general, I’m in good health.  Especially given my (cough) age.  Sure I walk the dogs every day -- and there is a fair amount of physical labour involved, caring for the 150 fruit trees on our farm. But, frankly, I rarely exercise.  Much as I know *how* to do proper strength training or stretching, I seldom do it.

Lately I’ve noticed that my strength is diminishing.  It’s harder to open jars or carry heavy loads of firewood.  I’m concerned.  I know how important it is for fifty year old women to keep in shape -- to protect our bone density and improve our balance and develop habits to foster wellness throughout our advancing years.

I’ve tried.  I’ve tried setting a timer to ensure a minimum amount of time per day spent stretching or doing basic stretch exercises.  I keep it up for a few days, then find it very difficult to motivate myself to continue.  I adore Wii Fit but don’t seem to be able to make it a part of my regular day.  I love attending fitness classes -- but am concerned about my re-injuring my hip.

During my fiftieth year, I resolve to find a way to work fitness into my life, regularly.

My friend Katherine set the goal of being able to do 50 PushUps by her 50th birthday.  It was a wonderful goal -- she was already quite athletic and healthy -- and the pushups helped her grow fitter and stronger.

I need a similar goal.  But I’ve never been much of a pushup person.   I do like fitness classes, though.  So the simplest solution is to commit to get my saggy ass to (at least) 50 Fitness Classes this year. 

What about you?  What’s presently missing from your life that you’d like to make a point of including in the next year?  Message me or leave a comment below.