A good role model for others. We're never too old.
I boogie boarded on my 65 birthday and one snarky woman tried to shame me by shouting out, "Having fun??" from the shoreline. There might be haters, but keep doing what you love to do.
Gotta give the role model credit to my mom. Whether you find her taking trapeze lessons or learning to swing dance or traveling to remote places around the world to meet the locals, she's not the sort to shy away from doing something just because of age, finances, or stigmas. She raised eight of us kids on her own and almost always took at least one of us, though usually all of us, on adventures. My siblings (six were adopted) had a variety of disabilities and mom did not let that stop us. Adapt, be, do, discover your motivators and figure stuff out. Ya, we were lucky. But also, sometimes it meant I snuck away to be alone and roller skate. Giggle!
Sorry about that, I got a little sidetracked. What I meant to say was: thank you for your comment, Dianne! I agree, we are never too old. And though there will always be folks who feel obligated to voice an opinion meant to slow us down, don't. Boogie on that board! Dance on that dance floor! Surf, skate, sing, let your soul play!
I'm happy for this beginning too! One of the things I love doing: looking back and seeing how all my beginnings helped me become the me I've always been, but with more confidence and clarity. The things I thought and wanted as a little girl are not that different from the things I think and want today. But today I believe in my own thoughts and wants, and that's all the difference. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
An unexpectedly lovely essay. The title doesn't do it justice. How cool - the image of you skating round and round in your backyard, singing and enjoying the time. You have "reclaimed your time." Thank you for sharing your story with us.
What a lovely comment, Kathy. I hope the image of me skating round and round that was painted in your mind is of a free spirit singing beautifully, at one with nature, hardly distinguishable from the breeze... rather than the true story of an unkempt slightly stinky lady sounding intoxicated while worrying the neighbors and frightening the squirrels. But either way, true image or revised, you are right: I am reclaiming & enjoying my time. Well said. Thank you!!
I also rediscovered my love of roller skating in middle age, but for me, it was with a roller derby team. Skating with other women was a thrill, as was the full contact and aggressive nature of roller derby. I learned how to take up space, shoulder check safely, and get back up after falling down. I loved my time on skates (both at 11 and 42) and hope every woman gets the chance to embrace that feeling, no matter their age.
I love that, Tara! My best friend (we've been besties for nearly thirty years now) has been interested in roller derby and wants to try it. I confess, I am not called in the direction of playing with others... I'm such a loner! So when she talks about it I'm always smiling and nodding and then I give her permission to make other friends who will roll that way with her. Just no other BEST friends. tee hee! We both wanna roll, but we roll differently. And, as you said, there is something special about the things we feel and learn during our time on skates, how wonderful to support each other in their pursuit of such happiness. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Wonderfully said, and thank you! Accepting my own wobbliness is one of the necessary lessons in my life. I'm a natural cheerleader of the wobbliness in others, but avoid it in myself. How silly! I hope you are enjoying your wobbly return to the piano. Music is a lovely layer in this world. NOTE: I cannot play the piano and yet any time I am near one my fingers insist on it. They will not take no for an answer. Hence, Home Sweet Home by Motley Crew, poorly played every time. :D
A good role model for others. We're never too old.
I boogie boarded on my 65 birthday and one snarky woman tried to shame me by shouting out, "Having fun??" from the shoreline. There might be haters, but keep doing what you love to do.
Gotta give the role model credit to my mom. Whether you find her taking trapeze lessons or learning to swing dance or traveling to remote places around the world to meet the locals, she's not the sort to shy away from doing something just because of age, finances, or stigmas. She raised eight of us kids on her own and almost always took at least one of us, though usually all of us, on adventures. My siblings (six were adopted) had a variety of disabilities and mom did not let that stop us. Adapt, be, do, discover your motivators and figure stuff out. Ya, we were lucky. But also, sometimes it meant I snuck away to be alone and roller skate. Giggle!
Sorry about that, I got a little sidetracked. What I meant to say was: thank you for your comment, Dianne! I agree, we are never too old. And though there will always be folks who feel obligated to voice an opinion meant to slow us down, don't. Boogie on that board! Dance on that dance floor! Surf, skate, sing, let your soul play!
Your mother sounds like an adventurous spirit. And 6 adopted kids!! WOW!
So happy for your new beginning!
I'm happy for this beginning too! One of the things I love doing: looking back and seeing how all my beginnings helped me become the me I've always been, but with more confidence and clarity. The things I thought and wanted as a little girl are not that different from the things I think and want today. But today I believe in my own thoughts and wants, and that's all the difference. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
Excellent! 👏🏽
Thank you, Jazmine! Thank you for reading, commenting, and complimenting. :D Have a wonderful Wednesday!
An unexpectedly lovely essay. The title doesn't do it justice. How cool - the image of you skating round and round in your backyard, singing and enjoying the time. You have "reclaimed your time." Thank you for sharing your story with us.
What a lovely comment, Kathy. I hope the image of me skating round and round that was painted in your mind is of a free spirit singing beautifully, at one with nature, hardly distinguishable from the breeze... rather than the true story of an unkempt slightly stinky lady sounding intoxicated while worrying the neighbors and frightening the squirrels. But either way, true image or revised, you are right: I am reclaiming & enjoying my time. Well said. Thank you!!
Haha, the real you sounds like my kind of person!
I also rediscovered my love of roller skating in middle age, but for me, it was with a roller derby team. Skating with other women was a thrill, as was the full contact and aggressive nature of roller derby. I learned how to take up space, shoulder check safely, and get back up after falling down. I loved my time on skates (both at 11 and 42) and hope every woman gets the chance to embrace that feeling, no matter their age.
I love that, Tara! My best friend (we've been besties for nearly thirty years now) has been interested in roller derby and wants to try it. I confess, I am not called in the direction of playing with others... I'm such a loner! So when she talks about it I'm always smiling and nodding and then I give her permission to make other friends who will roll that way with her. Just no other BEST friends. tee hee! We both wanna roll, but we roll differently. And, as you said, there is something special about the things we feel and learn during our time on skates, how wonderful to support each other in their pursuit of such happiness. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Wonderfully said, and thank you! Accepting my own wobbliness is one of the necessary lessons in my life. I'm a natural cheerleader of the wobbliness in others, but avoid it in myself. How silly! I hope you are enjoying your wobbly return to the piano. Music is a lovely layer in this world. NOTE: I cannot play the piano and yet any time I am near one my fingers insist on it. They will not take no for an answer. Hence, Home Sweet Home by Motley Crew, poorly played every time. :D