By LIZ MARCHI
Adolescence was NOT my favorite stage in life. I grew too fast, I hated starting my period, wearing a bra, pimples and it was becoming uncool to beat the boys at sports. Thank goodness that has changed a lot for young women today.
I would characterize the last few years as the adolescence of aging. There wasn’t a course on this or the definitive book. (Remember “For Girls Only”?) It’s coming, we don’t like parts of it, we deal with the ramification differently but then it’s here and it’s OK. There are some good things happening.
FYI, I nixed the facelift and spent the money on an irrigation system for my yard. I love not dragging hoses. I couldn’t get excited about electing to go under the knife when I have friends with cancer and other health issues. It only bothers me a little when I look in the mirror. I feel amazing inside and will wear the skin I earned at least for the near term future. (I retain the right to rescind this decision at any time!)
For someone who has always had a plan, a mountain to move and a goal to achieve, I am working on letting it be. Waking up every day in gratitude for health, family, the beautiful place I get to live and so grateful for friends far and wide. It’s good. I have worked hard and will continue to work because I want to not because I have something to prove.
I have never accepted things for what they are but what they could be. Acceptance is a beautiful thing. It brings a sense of peace and a tempo I am enjoying. I am trying hard to relish the deeper feelings one has as the horizon comes closer. I am praying more: for our country, for children to know love and well-being and for kindness and tolerance.
I have accepted what I cannot do.
This I believe: we must keep our minds, bodies and our social connections growing even when it’s hard. That’s foundational to a life in full.
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Liz Marchi lives on a ranch in Polson, Montana with her husband Jon. She is the Fund Coordinator for the Frontier Angel Fund and spends a lot of time thinking and learning about entrepreneurs, the economy and Montana’s unique place in the world. She has three daughters and a stepson and daughter and a grandchild. She graduated from Hollins College and is entering the final quarter of life…unless we go into overtime.