Ain't No Place For Sissies

     A few days ago a friend called just to have a chit chat and catch up. It was good to hear from her, it had been a while. Texting isn't my thing. I can't imagine having whole conversations texting on your phone. I'll take the easy route any day, verbal conversation. Face to face interaction. I like to see the person I'm speaking with or at least hear their voice. You can tell a lot about a person by the look on their face or the sound of their voice. You know if they're happy or not feeling up to par. You know if their angry or upset. Putting a little smiley face at the end of a text message does not guarantee that the person is in fact happy. I prefer some form of human contact. That's a whole other story and I'm getting off track.

    During our conversation she asked how I was feeling and what kind of shape I was in. I find the closer I get to becoming a senior, conversations always seem to turn to health. Of course I told her I was doing just fine. I needed to drop a few pounds but overall I'm healthy. It was great to hear from her.

     Later in the day as I was going on about my business and I happened to walk by a full length mirror. I stopped and took a good look and I realized just what kind of shape I was in. Round, that's my shape. Well maybe more barrel shaped. This is not a shape meant for the human body. When did this happen? Shit, how did this happen? I don't like this at all. I sat down poured myself a coffee and made the decision right there and then to get back on track.

     I was so busy with all my other projects I forgot the number one rule, "Take care of yourself first." I constantly preach to people on Facebook about staying healthy and working out. I'm forever telling people to get up off their asses and get moving. If I'm going to talk the talk, I most definitely have to walk the walk.

      We had to downsize when we moved out to Spanish and the first thing to go was most of the gym equipment. There was just no room to put it. I figured I could find other ways to stay fit. It didn't happen, I never got back to it. It's been eight months and 25 extra pounds later.

     I started working out again this week and I'm feeling so much better. I'm also sleeping better. I wake up ready to take on the world. I see a lot of people my age walking around as if they're already 90 and I don't want to be one of those people. It's hard enough sometimes to deal with the stigma of age. If I have to be a senior I want my health and my strength.

    

     Bette Davis said long ago, "Getting old ain't no place for sissies.