Reading the last couple of pages has given me a bit to think about, really. I never really have ventured into this thread much, but it popped up again to the top with new posts, so I figured what the hell.
I turned 40 in January, and while I’m not bothered by getting older, this year has been a bit more reflective than past ones. Really, I’ve been pretty fortunate n that age hasn’t hit me too hard yet. I’m still able to do all I want to do, and my running speed is still actually improving. For a while, though, I’ve noticed that my recovery time is definitely starting to slow up a bit, and it’s especially starting to hit this year. If I hit a run balls to the wall for even just a few miles, I’m wiped out and worthless for a week. Injury recovery also isn’t what it used to be, either. Marathon training last year had me fighting some pretty nagging Achilles tendinitis for months up until the actual race Little things like that. Like I said, I’m still quite able bodied and feel fortunate to be that way, but I’m starting to notice stuff I didn’t have to worry about before.
I used to say all the time, “You’re only as old as you feel,” me of those naive things you say when you feel invincible. The “I’m always going to feel young and energetic” attitude. And it’s true in a sense, but at some point, time is going to catch up to everyone. Including me. It could be at 50. Could be at 55 or 60. Or even 41. Who knows? But the past couple of pages got me to thinking, when am I going to be Jack Nicholson walking out of that doctor’s office and asking out of nowhere, “What if this is as good as it gets?” When does that happen in my life, where I’m as good as I’m going to be physically? Mentally? Spiritually and emotionally? It’s a thought that gave me pause.
A few posts previous mentioned being content with where you are, instead of where you want to be. And while growth and improvement is certainly something I always strive for, there’s going to be a ceiling somewhere in certain aspects. I’ve always been one who strives, to the point of perfectionism especially in my 20s from which I’m gradually learning to tone it down. But learning to watch things eventually decline and accept it as a part of life is going to be a process. All I know is that I don’t want to be like my dad who always bitched about how he used to be able to this or could do that better than now. There’s something to aging gracefully that’s admirable to me, and while it’ll be a process, that will probably be what I eventually strive for. Even when the body is failing, the soul can still grow.
It’s also that aging gracefully that I want to exemplify for my son. I joined the parent game late, as my first (and only so far) was born when I was 39 last year (ancient in the terms of a Utahn, where I grew up). We plan on a second, but hot damn, the thought of that is exhausting at times. Whoever said that kids have endless batteries was not kidding, and I sometimes wonder how much more energy I’d have if I’d started earlier. And how long my batteries will last as we all get older. Again, not a complaint as I know I’m pretty well as is, but just a muse about the realities of life.
I guess all I can do is make the best of whatever situations arise, and enjoy all the little moments *in* the moment, recognizing them for what they are. And dammit, just be nice to people.
Topic: The DTF Old As Mold Club v. 40 IS The New 30! Kids Stay Out! (Read 335023 times)