News Taffy

My husband turned 50 last year. I had already been dreading that momentous occasion because it meant I only had one more year before turning 50 myself. So, I started to mope and feel sorry for myself (no one else was doing it after all). In my mind, I was still 30ish, even though the mirror told a slightly different story. Certainly my achy joints did. I often felt angry every time I got up and felt stiff and my joints complained. I hated to see the least bit of gray shining on my head. I considered all kinds of things to do to mask aging - facial injections, tummy tucks, peels, you name it.

Then recently I had an epiphany. Why should I worry about my age, a number? I’ve been feeling stronger and better than ever with my new workout routine. People are often surprised to find out my age. Let me state right now that I have never had any plastic surgery, or done anything beyond sunscreen and facials to improve my skin. I would admit it if I had. I am enjoying great health with the exception of aches and pains, but I take medication for that. My figure is better than some teens’ and I wear a size 6. I am doing things I love like writing. My hairdresser successfully keeps the gray under control. My kids are healthy, happy and doing well in school. What is there to dread about turning 50?

Now I am happy to proclaim my age. I love seeing the look of surprise on people’s faces. Fifty does not mean the slow slide into the grave has begun. So I challenge you, whatever your age, to enjoy each moment. Life can end at any time, not just after 50, so make the most of it. Make “Live, Love and Laugh” your motto. And of course, take care of yourself and guard your precious health! (You knew that would come didn’t you?) Life is so much better when you are healthy and fit no matter what your age. There are less restrictions on the things you can do and the way you feel and even on how you spend your money.

I haven’t ruled out some sort of plastic surgery. I would love to have a tummy tuck. Having two kids, one gi-normous and requiring a c-section to boot, leaves your stomach wrinkly no matter what, and it annoys me. But I am a chicken of planned pain, so I’m not sure I can talk myself into it. Will vanity win out over cowardice? Time will tell. In the meantime, I will keep dying my hair and taking good care of myself and my skin. It still makes me angry that I have achy joints in spite of my efforts, but I don’t let it stop me from doing one thing.

I will leave you with a short list of people who are 50 this year. I don’t think they are worried about it either: George Clooney, Meg Ryan, Eddie Murphy, Heather Locklear, President Obama, Susan Boyle, Woody Harrelson, Dee Dee Myers, George Stephanopoulos, Nadia Comaneci Fabio and Melissa Etheridge.

Until next week,

Lisa