As I attempt to squeeze myself into yet another pair of jeans I refuse to let win based on the notion that the size on the tag is all that matters, I'm resolute in my dread of yet another bathing suit season which I am forced to boycott since gravity can be unkind after 40. I have to ask what the heck happened to my ability to eat French fries regularly and remain the same size? Gone I guess, but certainly not forgotten.
About fifteen years ago I met Donna an absolutely stunning brunette. She is by far the most attractive individual I've ever actually met in person. We met on the job when we were both in our mid twenties, highly athletic and in excellent physical condition. I actually considered myself to be in better shape than Donna at that time since I had given birth twice and Donna was childless. My body had been through the major birthing process not only once but twice and bounced back nicely although not effortlessly. The bouncing back part didn't happen on its own and can be mostly attributed to a lot of time spent on the volleyball court. Since many women lose their curvy hour glass shape and girlish figures due to pregnancy, I was impressed with myself and enjoyed the compliments that came my way stating that I didn't look like a woman that had children, whatever that is supposed to mean.
Less like me however, Donna was gorgeous and petite. She looked like she was made to be in calendars or placed on the 50 yard line fronting a Dallas Cowboy backdrop toting pom-poms and shouting exaggerated cheers with precision choreography. Just imagine for a moment a flawless olive complexion, bright optimistic blue eyes, an engaging smile with pearl white, arrow straight teeth, long beautiful locks in a burnt umber color as shiny and reflective as the airbrushed images you see in the Pantene commercials. Now add to her exterior perfection a personality so sweet and honest it's typically only associated with the humble insecurity and sensitivity of a big girl. No one as nice, charming and intelligent as Donna deserved to be that pretty too. I was forever trying to find her flaws on the proverbial scales of balance since no one can have it all.
Fast forward now fifteen years or so to yard signs that shout Welcome to Mid Life. Boy how things have changed or should I say some things have changed. I spent my entire childhood dedicated to sports and athletics from soccer to gymnastics followed by minimum of ten years exercising to stay fit from high school past motherhood. Then somewhere along the line without so much as a warning or an alarm bell ringing my train jumped track and I lost all desire to exercise. Talk about the pendulum swinging in the opposite direction not only did I lose my desire to exercise entirely, I would shudder at the very thought of any form of physical activity that did not involve TV or potato chips.
In the meantime, Donna and I lost touch for period after our company shut down. Coincidentally, the one and only time I found an ounce of motivation to go to the gym, I ran into Donna and we quickly became fast friends again. Donna had gotten married since we last spoke. Her and her new husband John had honeymooned in Aruba. On a lark Donna entered a best body contest, it was her first at the ripe age of 30 and she took the top prize. Since her days of high school track and field Donna had not only remained consistent in improving her exercise regime, she had improved it by focusing on nutrition as well.
When we crossed paths again ten years ago there was a noticeable difference in our appearances and the way we were aging. In five short years our looks went from similar or complimentary to completely contrasting. Although Donna and I are only a year and a half apart, she hadn't aged a bit meanwhile my time clock not only seemed to be accelerating my true age; it also appeared to be ticking more aggressively.
Since her initial win in Aruba Donna had begun dabbling in some local bikini contests. Now that we were routinely in each other's company behaving like two school girls playing dress up, my second husband and I enjoyed traveling with her and her husband to many of her seasonal events throughout state. I quickly became her personal wardrobe assistant, photographer and scrapbook memento collector. I had more pride than a proud parent watching their child score the game winning goal.
Over the years Donna consistently continued to win best body events until gaining some real recognition from national brands like Hawaiian Tropic. After competing successfully for a few years noting her remarkable ability to beat women half her age, Donna took some time off to have a baby. Most women take a minimum of 12 weeks after giving birth to recuperate, but I believe Donna was back in a bikini and on stage and winning contests within a few short months. Donna has always been proud of being one hundred percent natural, so nursing Adam really helped her top game the first two years.
Much to my dismay it wasn't long before Donna and I started drifting apart again after her introduction to motherhood. Time and responsibility tend to force change whether we like it or not. We do still keep in touch mostly through Facebook emails even though we live less than ten miles apart. Donna turned 41 this July and just won a huge competition this weekend in the Bahamas for yet another national swimsuit company. She is beating girls 20 years her junior and just keeps gaining momentum. In 2007 Donna won Ujena Swimwear's coveted Most Physically Fit at the youthful age of 39 keeping in mind that the average age of contestants in this arena is under twenty-five.
I have witnessed the fountain of youth first hand and it is undeniable. As a very close friend of Donna's I know that she has done nothing unnatural to enhance her appearance in anyway except for the occassional use of a tanning bed or spray tan. She won't even consider adding a few highlights in her hair out of fear of harming its condition. Donna's fountain of youth has undoubtedly been consistency with diet, nutrition and exercise, exercise, exercise.
Fifteen years later I'm lucky if Donna and I look like we're a part of the same generation. Donna's recipe for youthfulness is simple although not to be confused with easy. She really works for it, but the reward in the end is priceless. If Ponce de Leon were alive today I believe he would agree. Donna's agelessness is a direct result of effort put forth from eating well, exercising religiously and taking good care of herself and it does make a huge difference. I'm certain Donna's decisions and lifestyle will grant longevity and good health above all else in her lifetime. If the proof is in the pudding she wears her tuna well.
Now can anyone provide with the recipe for motivation?