In the interest of explaining how I feel about a certain magazine article, I'll say right up front that it's my 48th birthday. My parents called yesterday to wish me a happy day, and Dad asked, "So how does it feel to be an old woman?"
I answered, "I don't know. I'll let you know when I get there."
I'm not giving in just yet.
So last night I was lying in bed feeding my mind with drivel from the latest Good Housekeeping magazine, when I came across an article featuring a 30-something, a 40-something, and a 50-something. The gist of it was supposed to be learning why these women are happy with where they are at in life.
Jada Pinkett-Smith, 30-something. Married to Will Smith, has to make sure she eats enough so she doesn't lose weight (can you see my eyes rolling?), could pay somebody to blow her nose for her if she wanted to.
Trisha Yearwood, 40-something. Married to Garth Brooks, fame, fortune, ranch, all that stuff.
Meredith Viera, 50-something. Co-anchor of the Today show, fame, fortune, hairdresser and make-up artist, etc.
Give me a break. These people don't live in reality—they represent 1% or less of the population. It doesn't count if you can afford to pay a doctor to make you look great. And do you think they're worried about whether the bathroom is clean when company comes over or if the guys have an ironed shirt for Sunday morning?
I'd like to hear from regular women, like me. Would you? (If you said no, stop reading right now. If you said yes, press on.)
So, Karen, how does it feel to be 48?
Well, Blog, it's not so bad. I'm happily married to a great guy who is taking me to my favorite restaurant for dinner tonight. He's going to put new spark plugs, a distributor cap, and a new rotor button in my car tomorrow, and he's already filled up the coolant in the one I overheated yesterday. What a guy! My boys are helping lay carpet in the church's nursery wing today, and one daughter has some friends from a past mission trip here to visit. Another daughter is away at college doing great, one has a precious grandbaby, and life is just really good.
Karen, what's the best thing about being 48?
You know, I think it's that I've learned to let little things go and focus on the important stuff in life. I know the Saviour, I'm healthy, have a great family, a part-time job I enjoy—what's not to love?
What's the worst thing about being 48?
Hormones are kind of a drag, arthritis in the hands, and the fact that I can't eat a pint of Ben & Jerry's Americone Dream without gaining four pounds.
Well, it sounds like you have a perfect life!
Oh no, not at all. We have challenges like most families—tuition bills, leaky chimneys, cars that overheat—but I don't have to worry about the important things, and I'm very thankful for that.
So what would you say is the secret to being happy at 48?
Be thankful ~
Karen
2 comments:
Too funny... love it
So, Jen, how does it feel to be 38?
Satisfying, I know I have done some good things like get my priorities straight early in life. I married at 21 and despite a few years studying and working, I made sure that once children came along I made my family and my home my highest priority. I have missed out doing some things like achieving some personal goals but I know at 38 my life is only half over and I have plenty of time for personal goals later. I do not regret putting my family first.
Jen, what's the best thing about being 38?
Feeling comfortable in my own skin, both mentally and physically.
What's the worst thing about being 38?
The grey hairs trying to make an appearance. I diligently pull them out but I am guessing I will lose that race soon and just have to accept grey will be part of my life.
So what would you say is the secret to being happy at 38?
Patience, love and acceptance for yourself and others. We are all growing in different ways and at different speeds. We can only fully understand our own journey so try not to judge others for their journey.
Hope you don't mind Blog asking some others the same questions.
Best wishes
Jen in Oz
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