Donna Ryan
Button up your overcoat when the wind is free, take good care of yourself you belong to me! This is a line from a song and to be totally honest I cannot tell you the rest of the lyrics. I just remember hearing my Aunt sing it when I was a child. Taking care of others is important to many of us.
I posted a survey a few weeks ago asking what part of the day was a preferred workout/exercise time. I saw that a few hundred people read the survey but only 6 responded. That made me feel very sad. I am thinking there are a lot of people out there who are buttoning up lots of others overcoats and perhaps neglecting themselves.
One person wrote me that if God wanted her to be thin he would have made her that way; and another said that when people stop trying to hold on to their youth, then she would work out. I also received a few “I don’t have time” responses.
I thought to myself, “Do people really feel this way?”
I realize as we age we experience more medical problems, joint issues and even tire faster than we once did. I turned 57 in early summer and totally understand this.
I read that after menopause we women have to be even more strict with ourselves particularly in taking care of our hearts which is a major cause of death in women. This is scary stuff!
Part of the frustration of aging I believe is we want the comfort and ease of familiar and get frustrated and stressed when things begin to change. Everything in life is temporary! Everything in life changes! Including our bodies. I used to find change enormously scary but as I grow stronger in my faith and myself I now find staying the same is much more fearful than changing and look for new ways to live healthier and happier. Change is growth. Don’t allow yourself to get frustrated. When we are afraid of changing the scenery we feel stuck and that causes frustration which then wears us out and makes us inactive. Believe me, I have been there too!
We must stick together and stop this. Why are we procrastinating in taking care of ourselves? I am not suggesting we climb mountains or run marathons. But we can take small steps can’t we?
We are all busy. We can say no to things once in a while! We can even take a walk instead of glancing at facebook posts, or playing online games.
We have to show up and work hard even when it is difficult. Even when we don’t feel like it!
Success comes in cans, not cant’s!
Yes we can eat healthy meals in restaurants while travelling. We can follow our exercise routine one more day. When I see myself saying I cant I stop and tell myself yes I can!
I have an obligation to take care of my body and my health.
I am so excited to be blowing out 57 candles! I am proud of how hard I worked this year to get stronger, more confident, and happier. I am not worried about holding on to my youth…heck, I did not treat myself well back then and the last thing I want to do is go backwards. I don’t need to be a size four. I need to be healthy for there are so many things I want to do and see.
What we do has consequences.
To the woman who said God made her that way, I reply God definitely encourages us to be our best. He created us in all different shapes and sizes. He gives us the strength to be the best we can be and it is then up to us to decide. The main thing he wants is for us to care for our bodies.
I am done scolding now. And by the way, this rant is not just for us fifty somethings….It is for everyone! Especially younger people. You may not like exercise but do it anyway. Do it for your heart. Do it also for those you love for they will thank you for being healthier. I am sure they love your company and want you around for a very long time.
I still button up loved ones’ overcoats when the wind is free, as I love taking care of people. I want everyone I love to be in my life for a very long time.
But as I blow out those 57 candles, my vow this year is to take good care of myself first because I belong to Me!!!!!
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Editor’s Note: Visit AFL member Donna Ryan at her website: http://www.50plusstickingtogether.com/. She says, “I have always thrived on inspiration. I love reading it everywhere I can find it. I am 57 and it has been a journey with many twists and turns. I invite all 50+ women to join me in discussions on this second chapter. Our road ahead is fun and exciting because these truly are the best days of our lives.”
