As promised, here is Part Two on my series #MiddleAgeLife. Yesterday I discussed the positive aspects of being in my " middle years", so tonight I shall tackle the bad parts of life in my fourth decade.
1. The Hormonal Changes. Ugh! It is true that the female human body starts to produce less estrogen as she gets older. Along with some physical changes such as oily skin, dry hair, and goofy monthly cycles. Women in perimenopause also suffer from fluctuating mood swings, which can be challenging for us , our spouses/partners, children, co-workers or anyone else who deals with us on a regular basis. Add to the mix that I am a " feeler " { highly empathic} and sometimes my poor spouse is at a loss as to how to help me with my " blues".
2. Muscle and Skeletal changes. As we age our bones and joints feel more wear-and-tear. I've had to quit running, playing pick-up basketball and weightlifting due to skeletal issues that were { for the most part} not present when I was younger. My knees can no longer tolerate the jumping that basketball requires. Furthermore, do to a congenital back defect that caused major scoliosis, { for which I was fixed via surgery at age 12}I have disk degeneration in my spine. Due to the hardware that has been present in my back since seventh grade, I am NOT a candidate for a chiropractor. Physical therapy is limited due to my restricted range-of-motion in my lower spine.
So what is a middle-aged gal with back full of metal to do?
1. EXCERCISE! I might be limited thanks to a Bionic Back, but I do make a point to walk at least two miles daily. My physical therapist also told me that I CAN run on an elliptical machine, so on occasion I'll visit the gym near our home and run a mile on the elliptical. I've discovered that having a young, active BIG dog in our life increased my strength-training in my arms, shoulders and core.
2. LIFESTYLE CHOICES. I am a social drinker, but I only drink beer and wine. Also, I limit myself to two drinks per social event. I'm not a smoker nor do I vape. People { usually other women} ask me what my skin care secret is and I reply " No Smoking". My fitness habit helps my body and mind stay healthy, and I have never understood the appeal of tobacco.
3. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF. Life is too short to be anything less than your best, most authentic self Also, surround yourself with people who love and encourage you .
4. TEND TO YOUR SOUL. I know " organized religion" isn't for everyone and that's perfectly okay. But each of us needs to tend to our inner selves, our souls/ consciousness/ spirit/ life force or however you define the human essence.
I am a Christian { of the Episcopalian variety} , but I also feed my soul by tapping into both my Jewish heritage { my mother is Jewish} as well as Nature Appreciation. I find that involvement with my faith community helps keep me " grounded" in this crazy modern society.
I hope this helps someone who is feeling at a loss with the ugly parts of middle-aged life.
Shalom,
~Sarah
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