I often try to start these posts off with something clever to draw readers in. As you know, I often use song titles. This title is a song that doesn’t quite hit the mark for what I am writing about. Today’s post is about aging. I hope I haven’t lost you already!
Over the past six months or so I have noticed that I am a little less steady on my feet. Not that I am falling all over the place. But going down stairs, I am more likely to use the handrail. While hiking a rock filled trail, I am more cognizant of foot placement. Standing on an overlook, I don’t get too close to the edge. Sometimes it feels like the boat is rocking. I got that song title in!
The little things that happen, when we age, can sneak up on us. Like when I look in the mirror, and I see myself looking more like my dad. When I find it harder and harder to get up off the floor. When I try to get out of bed in the morning and I need to wait until I am in just the right position. When getting into and out of a kayak is a major undertaking. I know it could be much worse, and I’m thankful that it isn’t.
Then there are the microaggressions, from others, that increased upon turning seventy. The assumption that I wouldn’t know who Harry Styles is. The assumption that I need help carrying something to my car. The terms of endearment used for me, by strangers, that wouldn’t be said to a man in his forties.
Then there are the things that I can no longer do well, because of aging. I’d rather read a paper menu rather than scan a QR Code. I’d rather order food from a person and not a kiosk. Getting out of a parking garage without difficulty at the pay center, is becoming more rare.
I am thankful that I am pretty healthy and hike regularly. I’m happy that I stay current with popular culture (Tik Tok addict here!) and world events. I’m happy that I am still interested in learning new things and am always looking forward to a new book to read.
My birthday is this month. 72. {May babies are the best!). Maybe it’s this upcoming birthday that triggered this post? I do know that because of aging, and the increase of technology, my world is getting smaller. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. As long as that small world is filled with the people and the things that I love most.
That was a long one! That’s what she said! Oh, and I always try to end these blogposts with a little humor!
A Semi-retired Kind of Life 