You would have walked right by us— 3 women standing in the aisle of the supermarket having a conversation over our shopping carts.
Women of a certain age, we’ve passed beyond desirable demographics—mostly not given a second glance— or a second chance.
Supposedly, we’re invisible…. presumably to fade away into the sunset.
Only someone forgot to tell us.
No one told all the women starting new careers, new businesses and new lives well after 50.
And no one told the two women I ran into in the grocery store.
Though we’re just casual acquaintances, the conversation shifted immediately into intimacy.
One just did a major glamification —-makeup, hair, clothes, and losing a lot of weight.
The other woman also recently shed a huge weight—-her husband of 35 years.
They’re happy. Exuberant. Loving life. Loving who they are.
Most importantly—they’re not looking back. They’re looking ahead.
I spent today grouting (the only part of making mosaics I don’t love). After standing for 8 hours bending over a table, I thought my back muscles might never recover.
So at dinner I’m bitching thinking about all the things I’m doing right now– physically and mentally—and I start to tell V—I’m too old to be doing this.
Then I immediately realize— I’m busy, I’m healthy, I’m looking ahead-—this is exactly what I want to be doing right now.
And one hour later, after I make the switch from whine to wine-— my back feels fine.
One thing is for sure—women our age aren’t going to be spending the coming years sitting on the porch in a rocking chair. Forget the chair—but for sure, we’re rocking.
Headless Mom says
You’re an inspiration! I hope I have your attitude when I’m your age!
m.e. loree says
amen to that sister!
marla says
AS someone of your age, I have to say I agree with the above comments…however, I do need to say that your attitude does not necessarily reflect our age — there are many out there who don’t have the “can do” attitude at 20. So, let’s hear it for the attitude, but not associated with age. We need to take every last breath out of every last second whatever our age.
Darryle Pollack says
Wow, thank u!! I decided Betty White is my inspiration–I’d be happy just to live that long!
Darryle Pollack says
Turns out I’m not the only one who noticed this. Did u see a study just released today done by Cheerios that 50 really is the new 40–people turning 50 are looking AHEAD happily to the next part of their lives.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-survey-shows-50-year-olds-feel-younger-believe-best-years-are-yet-to-come-2010-09-27?reflink=MW_news_stmp
Darryle Pollack says
Totally agree and you’re right. No matter what age you are, attitude is EVERYTHING. THank u for pointing that out.