I really don't think about my age much. Not that I am embarrassed or defeated by its number, I find it unimportant in my reality. I often forget just how old I really am and sometimes add a year to the number when asked. Occasionally I am surprised to find I'm actually a year younger than I thought. It's kind of crazy, I know. I once spent an entire year thinking I was 45, only to be reminded by my mother that I was just now turning 45. Happy Birthday To Me!!
People put so much importance on age, what it's supposed to mean and what you are supposed to accomplish by certain milestones. A young man of 20 is told he is too young to start a family. A 50 year old woman is told she is too old to wear her skirt above her knees. I have concluded that is just a bunch of, as my mom would say, bovine excreta. You are not a loser just because you didn't do a certain something, by a certain age. Just because you are *fill in your age here*, does not mean it's too early or too late to start or accomplish that thing you desire to do. Why do we limit ourselves to marking certain milestones at certain ages? Some say "I'll wait until I am this age to do this" or "I'm too old to do that now." If it is right, right now, do it, regardless of age. (This diatribe is aimed at adults. There are many things children and teens need to wait to develop physically and emotionally before experiencing.)
Bram Stoker was 50, when Dracula was published. Although he had one book published when he was 43, it did not receive any real notice. It took another 7 years for him churn out the vampire classic. Ang Lee, who directed such great films as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain, was 37 when his first film was screened. My new personal hero, Phyllis Sues, started her own fashion label at 50, learned French and Italian in her 70's, and took trapeze lessons at age 80. She is truly an inspiration and proof that age is just a number. You can read more about her incredible life here: Loving Life at 90
There are crinkles around my eyes and I now have to wear glasses. I acknowledge that my hair is more than 45% gray now. I keep it dyed, but not because I am ashamed of the gray, but because it does not fit the way I see myself. I have been dying my hair a myriad of colors, since I was 16, depending on who I feel I am at the time. If my gray were a beautiful silver or a snowy white, I would totally rock it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, it's a dingy, yellowish gray.
At 47, I feel like a woman who has purple streaks in her hair.
I obtained my first tattoo at age 30. 17 years later, I acquired my third and most meaningful tattoo, a tattoo of Budai, or Hotei. It has a dual representation for me. First to honor my grandmother, who was very dear to me and secondly as a affirmation to my affinity for Buddhist teachings.
I listen to all sorts for music from big band to Kpop. I watch mainstream films, foreign films, anime, and documentaries. I read classic novels, historical books, trash novels, scifi, fantasy, and lots of manga. I try really hard to never be limited to a genre.
I occasionally wear anime socks. I have sported Chucks for over 30 years. I collect antique handkerchiefs, love vintage clothing, wear crochet shawls, and buy loads of Betsey Johnson. I tried not to let "age appropriateness" enter into my thinking, if I like something.
I am currently working on my novel, learning Japanese, and trying to master Go Stop. (I have the basics down, but man the scoring throws me!) Still planing a trip to Asia this next year, along with a European trip soon after. I have brochures for glass blowing and aerial silk classes. I promise you one of those classes will happen in the next year. Probably the glass blowing, because I need to work on my upper body strength for the aerial silk classes. ;)
In my late 40's, I am still testing the waters for new adventures. I am certain that my 50's will only be the tip of the iceberg of all the experiences I will enjoy well into my life. If genetics is an indicator, I've got probably 40 more years to fulfill my dream list. To start the next half of my life off, if my body is physically able, I would like to bungee jump to celebrate my 50th birthday. Anybody care to join?
Namaste
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