by Joyce Wheeler

Created on: January 20, 2009

At forty four I guess I would be deemed as middle aged. While I was in denial all through my thirties because I felt like I was losing youth I have since discovered some things. I have discovered my own definition of old, old is when you can no longer enjoy life the way you once did, when you have to depend on others or things to get around. Old is sitting in a rocking chair all day hoping some one will come by to see you as you recount younger days.

At age nineteen I started exercising on a regular basis due to the fact I have inherited fat genes. It proved to do more than just keep me lean and looking good. I was able to have three children with as little labor as an hour, I can run circles around the youth with little to no problem. I continue to exercise and praise God I can do so, I believe this is also the reason at my age when most individuals are stocking prescriptions I don't. While for some health has always been issue there are others who if they would watch what they eat and exercise in some way they can prevent this. My grandmother who turned ninety one in October was just placed in a nursing home. While her physical health is fine her mind is not, she had three medications which she had to take, one to control a weak bladder, a blood thinner, and I forget what the other one was for, but it was nothing major. I remember before she quit driving having to call and make an appointment to see her because she was always doing something. Even at eighty nine she was walking miles to the grocery store dragging a cart behind her to haul her groceries home. She is my mentor and when I grow up I want to be just like her.

I am happy to be at this point and time in my life with the wisdom I have gathered and look forward to gathering more. I am blessed to look younger than I am and not only contribute this to regular exercise, but an attitude. I found through the years a positive attitude helps the aging process, laugh, play, and have fun. Just because you have a number attached to your life doesn't mean you need to stop doing the things you love. Youth is in the heart and not the mind, when you stay young in your heart the rest of your body will follow. Negativity is the worst thing for an individual and will cause premature aging. This includes worry which causes ill health and sometimes is not diagnosable by a physician. This is because negativity and worry will make you sick inside with no real illness present. However note this is not always the case so if you feel ill you should always seek a professional.

Enjoy the time you have in this world no matter what point of your life you are in. Don't be overly concerned with things you have no control over it will only cause ill health. Spend time with children they love watching adults act up and play with them, and the great thing is they will not judge you. So come on all you middle aged people start acting how you feel and not your age, stay active, eat well, and love hard.

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