Tag: 50+

OMG, the finish line!

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Fitness, I Feel Good!
Photo by RF._.studio on Pexels.com

I wanted to experience the waves and adulation of cheering crowds and the loud bells and whistles on race day! A lovely professional photograph and medal would be sweet too! Instead, I arrived at the finish line of my virtual 10K alone, but with a new appreciation for all that motivates, inspires, and strengthens me in my health and wellness journey. 

I worked diligently with a local YMCA training club. I was well prepared but wasn’t crazy about the logistics of getting to and from the big event, let alone twenty-five thousand athletes and visitors. Finally, after an awful night with little sleep, I woke late and set out on a personal timed race. At this moment, I saw my first motivation (me!) and an intense need to get the job done! I told myself that this day was like every other one, that I needed to move, and that the exercise made me feel great! Days like this are often solitary for me but no less powerful.

As I completed my 10K, I realized how inspired I’ve been by family members no longer with us. Some had significant health issues. Some wished they could have been more active in their adult years. I also thought about people I know who wish they could be more physically active right now but can’t. But then, I saw their faces as I exercised – grinning, smiling, waving, and encouraging me on race day!

I previously shared how much I enjoyed practicing with the YMCA training group and missed my team! But on race day, I felt their presence and was empowered and inspired by their stories. Some had injuries and overcame illnesses. Some managed busy schedules and stressful jobs. One shared how depression and a breakup challenged her. Today, we’re all now on the other side of everyday challenges. This realization made me feel pretty darn good!

I approached the finish line (a hot, sweaty mess!) with a smile. The sun shone, the clouds held the rain, and the day was unseasonably warm. Once again, I realized the outdoors and exercise can feel like a spiritual, grounding and life-affirming experience. I cooled down and thanked God for my safe journey. I felt great at the finish line and look forward to doing this again!

Let’s take a break!

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

My college alumni association hosted a first-ever virtual coffee class courtesy of a Minnesota alumna.   A friendly guest barista also walked us through the flavor profile of coffee (nicely gifted and delivered to everyone!) and shared what people should look for when they are tasting a new type of java. 

I’m a simple lover of ground roast with one easy, no-brainer coffee maker! I thought the presentation was a bit pretentious but listened anyway.  You see, I’m often fascinated as I observe folks order a dizzying variety of drinks, including expressos, exotic blends, lattes, macchiatos, etc.  Our barista shared “essential” gadgets one must have to make perfect drinks. This was another memorable moment on Zoom!  Honestly, I love coffee, but I never dreamed anyone could have so much to say about coffee!

Given my budget, I buy ground coffee at Walmart and simply store it in the freezer.  So, a dark roast coffee serves my need for a daily perk or as a hot, sweet anytime beverage.  In contrast, the barista offered, “Great quality coffee beans (like theirs) should be grounded and brewed within twenty minutes to experience the most robust flavors!”  

I enjoy Folgers Classic Roast most days. But, hey, don’t judge coffee snobs!  Life is still good for me.  Like everyone, I’m enjoying my coffee my way.

Photo by Chevanon Photography on Pexels.com

Celebrating all of us and our Spirit!

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

I’m just chilling at home on a picture-perfect, sun-kissed Labor Day!  I know work provides critical skills, services, and products to society.  But like many workers, I’m a bit conflicted. So, this holiday is an excellent time to talk about the joy and pain of work.  

I won’t suggest that I’m so tired or burned out!  Statements like this have become trite during the Pandemic, with workers clocking longer stressful days in any number of settings.   

Honestly, I felt frustrated before the Pandemic.  Years of work, short vacations, and technological advances have made work tiring. Stress about higher and higher budgets, goals, revenue, or whatever measures you’re accountable for also zap enthusiasm.  Throw in challengeing personalities at work, incessant isms in the workplace (age, race, sex, etc.), and many are ready to run for the hills!

I’ve mostly enjoyed working with some fantastic bosses and companies that allowed me to grow my skills and confidence. Unfortunately, stress sometimes even forced me to bring on my “A” game! I’m proud of my accomplishments but not immune.

My friends and contemporaries are approaching our last decade of work.  A few have enjoyed stable employment, and some have been unemployed and underemployed, with college and graduate degrees. But, unfortunately, too many have worked a long time with little to show for their efforts. As a result, they are deeply concerned about the affordability of retirement—some stress about having few assets after many years of working and raising children.

Declining health is also a considerable concern for some mature workers.  Many have challenges with full health insurance and without health insurance.  A few friends retired early due to declines in their health. They want to work, but their bodies won’t allow them.

At this stage in my life, I have greater clarity about what is important to me.  Balance, flexibility, and R&R are more than words to me.   I want to work hard and smart, and I want my work to be impactful.  I want benefits that contribute to and support my health and financial wellness.  I wish no less for my family, friends, colleagues, and community.

Is 60 really the New 40?

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

I know my chronological age, but I’m not sure how young I’m supposed to be based on the most recent news story. I couldn’t find the last good article on Aging in my overwhelmed inbox. I gave up looking. I know it confirmed we are all benefiting from better diets, exercise, and technology! We’re living longer and maybe looking younger too.

I suddenly remembered a conversation with my doctor a few years ago. I asked about my life expectancy. He suggested I look at my general health, age at death of my parents, grandparents, and my larger community as a woman of color. My future looks bright with a healthy dose of discipline, intelligent prevention, and a great care team. Still, I was stunned when he surmised that I could be a centenarian. I thought he’d say I might live to 85 or 90.

The article I misplaced about Aging suggested that 125 years or more might be possible!  Crazy, huh! That gave me pause. For the first time, I wondered if such a long life makes sense for me. How many of my family members would be around at 125? What about my friends? How mobile and healthy could I possibly be at such an advanced age? Would medical technology remove severe disease and illness? Where and how would I live? I certainly didn’t work and prepare to live that long.

I could drive myself nuts with so many questions. Right now, I’ll hold on to what I know for sure: I’ll live the best life I can for as long as I can, God willing.