by Barbara Kasey Smith

Created on: May 02, 2008

I've been on the fast-lane for so long when I finally wake up, I notice there's a new person looking back at me from the mirror. I grin and this strange person grins back as though they know me but I don't recall ever seeing the person. I search for surroundings that I will recognize in the mirror, and there, "I catch a glimpse of the pajama's I'm wearing." Why it's me, it's me...what has happened to the fresh face beauty that use to smile back with beautiful white teeth glistening, a soft smooth colorful face, with dark hair flowing over her shoulders, and a flirt in her eyes expressing a mystery in them?

Where did all those years slip out of town too? I stand searching the wrinkles, refusing to look near my arm below their pits, and hands that's showing age spots, and where did that gray hair come from? I marvel at the changes that has taken place without me ever noticing it. I must have been busy not to have taken the time to do an analysis. I must look at my husband tonight and see if I see the same changes in his face and body. I turn back to the mirror and take my finger and trace my face and body to make sure I'm looking at the right person.

I've weathered many storms and been caught in lots of traps and I must have been so caught up that I allowed time to swallow my beauty. The moment is tragic to my self-confidence and I feel ugly and worn out. Why did I look at myself this morning? The remainder of the day I'm depressed and feel totally lost and in another world of my own. Can I face these changes I ask myself? I need to show myself some tender loving care and I ask myself, "Can I renew my face and my body and regain my youth?" Something deep inside tells me you're kidding your self...you're a washed up "old" woman...forget it!

I immediately get on the phone and call for an appointment to get my hair dyed, my nails done, a pedicure, and a facial. I'll show this body of mine...age is not going to absorb me and steal my youth. I rush to my appointments and come home standing before the mirror, I look and see a much more matured woman who really doesn't look all that bad after all, and one who I know, enjoyed every minute of her life. Why am I depressed, and why am I wanting to look young? I've had a wonderful life and I've enjoyed ripening to this age so why not accept life as it comes and get over the fear of growing old. It comes to everyone in life and after all I've earn these wrinkles, gray hair, age spots, and I've been blessed with a wonderful husband, beautiful, healthy children, and grandchildren...yes, I've earned this age, and I'll not fret "any" more. I'll accept each day I'm to face with vim and vigor and I'll continue to earn my age as each day passes. I'll continue to feel blessed for my health and my life.

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