Who Dat?!?!

Since I’m on the same journey (slip-sliding into 50), but on a slightly different path than my dear friend Kathy, I thought I would jump in and be a guest blogger on her site.  Now keep in mind that I usually play the ‘straight-man’ to Kathy’s razor sharp wit, so this probably won’t have the chuckle factor that you usually expect and appreciate from Kathy.  But, as my French ancestors probably used to say, “c'est la vie” (such is life).

Speaking of life, and all it’s idiosyncrasies, I thought I would share a phrase that really struck a cord with me this month. 

Most people think about age and experience in terms of years, but it’s really only moments that define us.  We stay mostly the same and then grow up suddenly, at the turning points.*                     

*Taken from Glenn Beck’s new thriller, the Overton Window.

You see, this gem of truth is both funny and poignant at the same time.  For the funny – (ok, here goes, but don’t say I didn’t warn you that Kathy is the true comedian here):

….We stay mostly the same….

How many of you have been walking along, minding your own business, and happen to glance in the glass panes of the building next to you, or in the mirror/reflection of the elevator, and wonder to yourself – Hmmmm, who is that old person?  And then in one excruciating moment of clarity you realize, Holy Cannoli, that’s me!

Wait.  I’m still 25, right?   

N -O   …………. NO! 

Wait.  I’m old?!?

Y-E-S  ……….YES!

Wait.  If I’m nice to the young man at the Starbucks counter, then I could be mistaken for a cougar?

You.  Bet.  Cha.

Ok, so after I pull myself out of an oozing pit of self-pity, I start to realize maybe this isn’t as bad as I thought.

…… (we) then grow up suddenly, at the turning points…..

Although my reflection-revelation about age could be one of the turning points Mr. Beck is speaking of, I’m thinking it’s really not.    So I start to think about the ‘turning points’ of my life, and how those have affected me.  I decide to consider them neutrally, without emotion, to see if I can understand how they have changed me – again, without emotions like remorse, anger, joy, etc.    And to realize what these ‘turning points’ have done in my life, and others.

Moving away from MN for 17+ years.  I learned a lot about other people, cultures and cities (as well I came to appreciate MN all over again.   Realizing I still hate cold weather/MN winters as much as I did in my 20’s.

Having/raising children.    Learning that I know SO MUCH LESS than I thought I did.  Learning that a mother’s love is FIERCE, and PRECIOUS, and there is nothing like it on earth. 

Financial crises.  Learning that chasing after THINGS just isn’t worth it – stuff is just empty trinkets when you are worried about getting food on the table.  Learning that I have come to value security more than adventure.  (perhaps this is the ‘older, more mature me’ surfacing?).

Friends battle with cancer……winning…….and losing.   Life, moments, with family and friends together, are precious. 

So the turning points, whether crisis or celebrations, are to be savored.  How they change you is your choice – only you can allow change, good or bad, in your life through your choice in how you respond to these defining moments.

So, I guess I’m really not 25 inside anymore.  (I certainly can attest to the fact I’m not 25 on the outside).

And.  That.  Is.  Good.

Hello 50, here I come!