Things That Get Better With Age.... (Or why I'm not freaking out over turning 32)

I'm just a day away from turning 32 years old.  I'm not a rock star.  Or a published author.  I've never been sky diving or mountain climbing.  I've not yet traveled to New York City which I've always wanted to do.  Alas, there are many hopes that I have and wish I could have achieved by this age.  But that's not what I want to focus on now. 

Instead I'd like to say.... hey!  32 isn't so bad!  It could be worse!   Sure my boobs are sagging a bit and I'm starting to get gray hairs and wrinkles.  But I've earned them.  They make me distinguished in some ways. 

No, let's talk about the things that do get better with age.  And why I'm happier at age 32 than I was at age 31 and my earlier years.

Here we go.... my list of why I am learning to appreciate age and birthdays....


1. A sense of humor becomes better over time --  I'm funnier now than I ever was.  Either that or I just think I am.  Whatever the reality is, I'll take it.  I laugh a lot more these days and people laugh with me (or at me?) more. 

2. Sex.   The sex is better.  There I said it.  I'm not sure if it's my age (women peak in their 30's right?) or if it just really does get more enjoyable and fun over time.  But at the rate it's going now.... I'll happily continue to have more birthdays.  (Sorry to my mom and dad, if that's too much information for you!)

3. Friendships.  As you grow older, you value those friends and special people in your life.  I find myself making more of an effort to those I really care about and it's a great feeling to give so much of yourself to others who mean the world to you.  This also includes my relationship with my husband.  Kirk and I aren't always romantic at each moment in the day but we are always friends and we do a lot of talking and laughing.



4.  Writing and reading.  These go hand in hand.  When I look back at my writing a year ago, I can tell it wasn't as good as it is now.  I'm learning to sharpen my skills and I'm doing that by reading others' works and expanding my mind to new genres and literature.  I can't wait to see where I'll be next year and all the books I will have read by then too!



5.  Food.  I've spent the past eight months really looking at food in a different way.  I have a new appreciation for recipes, ingredients and the dishes that I (and others) prepare.  I'm trying to savor my bites and enjoy the meals I consume.   Because they really are works of art when you think about it.  Tasty works of art.  Especially chocolate.  And don't even get me started on alcohol.... maybe that should be its own category....


6.    Taking on a challenge.   Just because you age, that doesn't mean you can't do new things and be successful at them!  I think I've proved that I am still a force to be reckend with!  In the spring, I pushed myself to run a 5k.  I've lost twenty pounds since the fall of 2009.  I challenged myself to start reading again and finished four books in a month.  I took on the task of potty training my two year old diva daughter.  With my help, she was mostly trained in five days.  I've successfully meal planned for nine months now.  I can do whatever I want and put my mind to, at any age.  I can see that now!  The hard part is just deciding what I want to do next!?

7. Success Stories (Of Older Women) - When I look back at the news for the past year, I am proud to see women older than me making history and a name for themselves.  Just look at Valerie Bertinelli and all her accomplishments.  She completed her first ever marathon at age 50.  She wrote a book and is engaged to be married.  She's living proof that life does not stop at the half-way point and you can take charge of your body, your life and your attitude.  Then there's Betty White!  Don't even get me started on that gem of a comedic actress.  She's done more at age 88 than I've done in my entire life!  If I can work toward and achieve half of what these two women have accomplished, then I'll be overjoyed! 


8. Wisdom.  It's true, you do become smarter as you become older (most of us anyway, I can't vouch for Lindsay Lohan).  I'm not a rocket scientist but I believe I'm becoming more knowledgeable in the subject of Life.  I'm making mistakes and learning from them.  I'm taking the time to reflect on what I've been doing the past year.  That is how you grow, change and become a better person.


9. Dancing.  No, I'm not a better dancer than I was at age 15 with my booty shakin' skillz and my blue leotard with silver streamers.   In fact, I'm quite sure that I've lost my rhythm.  But the fact is that I'm comfortable with the fact that I'm a goofy, silly dancer.  Since my nights of going to clubs are over, I have no problem putting myself out there and looking like a fool.  And that's what is cool about getting older.  You dance and you just don't care!



10. Freedom.  This may sound odd here.  Wouldn't freedom be the opposite of getting older?  Hmmm, I disagree.  I know that when you're a child, you have no responsibilities and no bills to pay.  But you're also tied to some authority, some one else's roof.  With age comes the freedom to live the life the way you want, to do whatever it is that you're meant to do.  As adults, we forget that we do have choices.  We choose how we're going to react, feel and more.  As a child, sometimes those decisions are made or shaped for you.  I love my freedom.  I love deciding what I will do, say, think and feel. 



And there you have it.  Just a short list of why I'm not crying over being a year older.  I'm happy to state my age and see what this next year has to offer me.



Being 32 is going to be great!  Happy Birthday to me! 

Let's have another year full of amazing laughter, sex, friendships, books, writings, challenges success stories, wisdom, dancing, choices and more!