70 is the new 70

A few months ago, my dear friend, Robin, the co-host of a wonderful podcast called, “The Problem With Perfect,” reflected upon turning 50. Although there were pearls of wisdom shared, it was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud. I wanted to shout, “Girl, just wait!”

Turning 70 has been on my mind for months. You can say all you want about ‘Age is just a number’ or ’70 is the new 50.’ For me, turning 70 is a juxtaposition of dread and dismay:

My children are in their 40s – older than I was when I had them,
I graduated with my Master’s 20+ years ago – I’m teaching students who weren’t even born 20 years ago,
My white hair is evidently a fashion trend with the younger generation,
Some of my dearest friends have left this earth making those still state-side even more precious,
I tried marriage twice; come to find out, I’m just not that good at it. That said, I never dreamt I would be alone the rest of my life…alone but not lonely…big difference,
News reports about people dying at 73, 78, 82 and beyond cause me to ponder my expiration date.

I find it interesting that so many magazine articles start with:
Fit and Fierce over 40
Hairstyles for women over 50
Makeup mistakes after 60
It keeps getting worse with each decade.

Despite all that, I know I am blessed beyond measure. I come from a family of strong women who live well into their 90s. I have excellent health and the ability to hike/bike/swim/lift/run as often and as far as I want (just not as fast). My children and gbabes include me in their lives and have yet to mention nursing home placement. I have more friends than I can count and family that likes to ski visit.

Given that my word for 2022 is embrace, I guess I will!