Becoming Mom

Hey, fellow forty somethings out there, thirty somethings, and even you twenty somethings - take note! When I was in my thirties, I ran 5 miles 5 times each week. I did weight lifting exercises 3 times per week, and I ate like I was on a mission to perfect my body - every day, every meal. I was proud to be the "in-shape" mom. It gave me great pleasure to know that I could out run, out lift, and out last, many of my female peers, and often times the males as well. I was often told, "Wait until you're forty! It's not so easy." I used to laugh when I heard that. Not me! I'd snidely think. I'll never stop exercising and eating right. I'll do this until I'm 65!

When I hit my late thirties, I had to have a hysterectomy, followed by C-diff, an awful sickness that you never want to get, my exercising and eating were not in sync. It took months to get back to being "myself." The surgery and sickness also made me reevaluate my life, as it probably would for many women. More time with the kids, more one-on-one time with my husband, slow down a little. Destress. Relax. Stop giving in to the must be perfect supermom image that society demands. Breathe....Aaahhhh...Breathe....

Now I'm almost 42, the zest for exercise has diminished somewhat. My eating has hit what most people might call "normal" or typical, and I have time with my kids and my husband. Life is good. But is it? Now a friend has osteoporosis. Another has cancer. Another just survived breast cancer. My aunt is dying. My feet hurt when I run. Not eating cake is no longer the norm, but now is a chore that I have to work at! WTH?

I'm rambling, but such is life. If you're reading, there is an end to this. What I have learned, is that when I die, no one will write on my tombstone, Here lies Thinkhappy. 5'2", 117 lbs. Wished she had spent more time with her kids, but did alright business wise, so it all evens out. Nope! Moderation is key - that's what I've learned. Eat right, exercise, never put foolishness ahead of your family, take time for yourself, time for your kids, time or your significant other, laugh, sing, dance, and never, NEVER, work only for money. Money will not buy your kids' smile. It will not make you happier or more attractive. Do what you love to do! Follow your passion! Love your family! Give back to others! These are key to your happiness - whether you know it or not!

And if you are in your twenties, climbing that corporate ladder and exercising like you're Bruce Jenner - well, more power to you. Just don't stop the exercising and eating right - cheat on your diet, enjoy life, but stay on track. It'll help when you're older. The 40 year old spread happens fast. One day you spin around and you are your mother (it's really true!). Being Mom isn't so bad - and it's going to happen. Accept it. Age gracefully. Live life. Breathe....

Okay Rant over!