Heidi wrote a great post last week about change. And, speaking of change. . .I celebrated one more year of being alive a few days ago. As I turned 47 on Tuesday, I took the time to reflect on all of the changes that have taken place in my life over the last year.
And, how some changes have come so easily with age. And, others have not. The “others” that have not been so easy are all related to the physical and mental transitions I’ve experienced as I head into menopause. Weight struggle, hormonal imbalance and mood swings continue to plague me—and, of course eating a lot of chocolate cake this week while pondering all of this didn’t make things any more positive. The highs and lows brought joy and tears.
An old coaches saying kept flashing in my mind as I pondered—you can only control the controllables. And, oh how true that is as our mind and bodies get older. I certainly wish I would have done better in my 30’s and early 40’s in terms of dealing with emotional issues that lead to overeating, sugar and food addiction, etc. But, I didn’t. Now closing in on 50, I’ve vowed to do better. I’m dealing with emotional distress in healthy ways—control. I’m choosing to eat differently—control. I’m looking at things through a “happy lens” versus negative—control. I’m also choosing to not look back and have regrets—control.
I know most people look at my life and wish they’d be so lucky. I’ve got an incredibly supportive and loving husband, two fun and happy kids, live in a beautiful place, have enjoyed professional success beyond my wildest dreams and now achieving things that I’ve only longed for over the last decade. This blog is one of those things. I’ve written millions and millions of words for other people, but I’m finally writing words for myself. Words with purpose. And, that purpose is to help others and/or entertain.
So, thanks for following along so far. It’s an honor and a blessing to have a blogging partner like Heidi. We have the same purpose, but go about it in different ways. Heidi and I are just beginning this “Body of Eve” journey together. But, we are excited and hopeful. It’s all part of our journey and change. And, part “me” taking control.
I may never be thin. I may still have giant mood swings. I may wakeup some days with a horrible hormonal headache. But, I am alive one more day. And, I’m doing the best I can to make it the best day of my life.
If you are wondering about the cake photo, it was a customized cake ordered by that great husband I was just mentioning. It was beautiful, delicious and worth enjoying. I finished off the last glop of frosting earlier today, so it’s back to quinoa and green beans tomorrow. Not complaining because I know I can finally control those controllables. Chocolate cake will not be my answer tomorrow.
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