Age 45: The Birthday Analysis

I turned 45 this week. This post is about where I'm at, what I've learned, and where I'm going.

Where I'm at: 

Weight-wise: I'm the lightest weight I've been since about 2003. In 2003, I had a very difficult time maintaining weight and resented every minute of it, such that it didn't last. In 2006, I weighed almost 50 more pounds than I do now, which made me think I had to change my life in a very big way. I'm more mature now and have taken the time to figure out my weight management formula, which is much happier and more consistent. At TOPS, I recently won 2 contests and quite a few TOPS recognitions including most weight lost for women in our chapter in the last quarter (which included Christmas and Thanksgiving) and most consecutive weeks of weight loss in our chapter (I haven't had a week of weight gain since October 3, 2012). I look slimmer and feel very happy. If you'd ask me what is the very best part of the weight loss, it would be that people now judge me more by my opinion than my weight.

Fitness-wise: As of this week, I did standing back bends, standing splits, side crow pose, bicep curls with 40 pound dumbbells, and bench presses with the big 45 pound plates on the bar (sets at 135 pounds). I'm super happy with my fitness-level. I love encouraging people to be superstars with their own fitness. I think there are many little stories and analogies I tell at the gym and on this blog that are about living life well. In many ways, I learned to love and appreciate myself at the gym, and I hope to help others do the same.

Writing-wise: I am finishing up the editing of my book manuscript. I'm pretty tired of this project, but I want to have a good finish that I'm proud of. Age 45 is going to be the year my first book is done, setting a path for many more to come. I have all of my to-do list to complete the book itemized on a calendar to finish. I finish a certain amount (of tedious proof-reading) each day. That way it is not overwhelming. My oldest daughter told me that at some point it has to be finished, even though it could be perpetually tweaked. My middle daughter is currently designing the book cover, and I love her style. My family is behind me and believes in me. 

Family-wise: My 4 children are doing well. I'm so proud of them, and they are delightful. I listen to their advice because they do not steer me wrong. They are very influential in my life. Almost everything I do well is because I was inspired by them. Keebler, my dog, is a super friend and joy in my life, who always listens to me. He is my dog psychiatrist and tells me I'm cute. :D

My wisdom of 45 years: 
Little things that we do matter more than big things. I used to think I'd find some glory in my career, but the truth is that I've found more glory in smiling at people and encouraging them. Many years ago, when I was finishing law school, I wanted my grandma to be so proud of me. But to my embarrassment, every time Grandma talked about me, she told my relatives that I gave her the best hairspray ever. She never talked about my studies or anything like that. In my wisdom, I've come to realize that my grandma had very fine hair and she used that hairspray every single day. In her late 80's, she really appreciated that it made her hairstyle so much easier to manage. Little things we do for each other really matter. I try to remember that every day.

I am trying to live in a way that preserves my health for the second half of my life. I try to eat in a way to avoid artery clogging foods. I exercise in a way that is fairly gentle on my joints. I strategically do exercises to keep muscles around my joints strong. I carefully ponder advice of my older gym buddies, who have created a vision for my fitness for many decades to come.

Blog-wise: 
I'm really trying to separate the "signal" from the noise. In other words, I'm no longer writing any posts that I think are extraneous information that just fills your mind with stuff for another headache. We all have too much information, and we need to sort out what is important. I am more focused on formulas, patterns, strategies, list making and calculations than ever, because I've found that emotions easily take over and can end up destroying consistency in any aspect of life. My policy for everything right now: Believe in the process. If you consistently do the process, you will be rewarded.

So, I hope *you* enjoyed my 45th birthday analysis. Most people I've talked to lately say that they do not do a birthday analysis. Well, they're missing out! :D  I hope to have some new photos up on the blog soon. They are long overdue.

As usual, comment on whatever you like. I really enjoy reading *your* comments. A friend also told me that she enjoys your comments.

:-) Marion