My grandmother has lived to 90 and I expect to follow in her footsteps which means… I’m midway through my life! I have reached my peak! I am peak-ing! The view from up here is both exhilarating and daunting. Looking back I can clearly I see my accomplishments, my missed opportunities, where I’ve made a difference and where I have screwed up. I owe some thank-yous and some I’m sorrys. There are both great joys and great sorrows. I think the first half has provided the fire that has tempered my steel. I’m thankful for the experiences, even the bad ones but I’m fine to leave all that where it belongs and just focus on the adventure going forward.
Up here in the clouds the view going forward isn’t quite so clear. Some of it is downright frightening. Watching and feeling my body age is the worst. There are some things you can do to stave off the aging process and I plan to try all of them. The reality is what I have to look forward to is more wrinkles, worsening eyesight, even lower metabolism, Depends and menopause with its accompanying hot flashes, dry skin and low libido. Wait maybe low libido could be a good thing. Oh and that whole death part isn’t very exciting either.
But aside from the aging process and its inevitable outcome for myself, friends and family, I think I’m more excited about the second half. Here’s what I can see happening so far.
I have a huge bucket list that only grows large everyday. I’ve got to find ways to fit it into the gaps on my timeline. I’m not sure if there’s enough time to do it all but I’m going to give it my best shot. Here’s a small snapshot of my bucket list.
There’s lots to do but that’s not the only joy I see in my second life. I think I’m a late bloomer. I wasted to much of the first half being shy, waiting for things, delaying things, avoiding risk. That’s not going to be the case for the second half.
I like who I am and where I am, not that there isn’t some room for improvement. I fit in my own life better. I’ve calmed in some ways and become more passionate in others. I am crazy! It’s not midlife crazy I’m just plain cray. But I like my craziness.
You get to choose how you go into your later years. You can have you golden years that are steady and peaceful and comfortable like a fine wine. You can go a little eccentric with a red hat, purple jacket, glass a wine and 69 cats. But I those are not for me. I’m going to live harder and love more, I’m going Supernova!
