Is this my decade?
It all depends on mindset.
I write you this today from a place of reflection that only comes from being tired and over thinking things.
I am trapped between the feelings of needing to rest (I deserve it!) and running against the clock (but I have so much I want to do!)
Which brings me to this ridiculous notion I have in my head that this is my decade.
Is this my decade?
Since I turned 40 a few years ago, I have this idea that between 40-50 is my prime time. The time I have to get certain things checked off my bucket list.
For example:
This is the decade to get as fit as I want to, as after this it may be hard to achieve any aesthetic or challenge driven goals I may have.
Let’s be real, if I don’t lose my post partum belly soon, am I likely to once I turn 50? If I don’t train for a half marathon in this decade, am I likely to once I turn 50?
This is the decade that will decide the rest of my professional trajectory.
If I am not sure what exactly I want to manuever into professionally over the next 7 years, will I ever be? If I don’t start my own business before I’m 50, am I likely to do it after turning 50?
In a nutshell, I have this feeling that every decision I take in this decade, will define what the rest of my life will be like.
Is that ridiculous? Perhaps.
I hope to live long past 50, healthy and happy. I cannot help but think that for that to be possible later, I need to take many steps and decisions, both small and big, now.
Small habits, big impact
Never missing to brush my teeth morning and night (fearing broken teeth and old age related bad breath!)
Moisturising my feet before bed (fearing terribly cracked heels!)
Using good eye cream (fearing permanent panda eyes!)
Getting a good mix of cardio, strength and flexibility exercise in every week (fearing a weak and unable body)
Journaling and practicing gratitude daily.
Deeper thoughts, more clarity
Using my energy to build something I am excited about (this community!)
Envisioning this community’s growth into something of bigger value and what that could mean not only for me, but for everyone here!
Reminding myself to be present for my small kids.
When I am 50, my kids will be pre-teen. How can I prepare for that?
Determining the depths of my beliefs so that I can explain them to my children as they grow up: For example: How can I explain my beliefs re religion to my kids? How do I want to explain to them why I eat meat?
The list goes on. And it all has to do with my constant thoughts about growing older.
Seeing my kids grow older makes me realise that I am growing older too. Seeing my parents grow older, reinforces that too.
Pondering getting older: I am not alone!
When I discovered Oldster Magazine, a wonderful publication that “explores what it means to travel through time in a human body—of any gender, at every phase of life. It focuses on the good, the bad, and the ugly we experience with each milestone, starting early in life. It’s about the experience of getting older, and what that means at different junctures.”
I found so much solace just in knowing that there are other people who think about getting older too, and it doesn’t have to be dire or so serious that you forget to have fun.
I was lucky to be interviewed for the magazine a few months ago on what I think about age and growing older. You can read it here:
And then I read mind-blowing profiles like this one of Diana Nyad and realise how ridiculous my decade analogy is.
At 64 years old, Diana Nyad became the first person ever to swim from Cuba to Florida without the assistance of a shark cage.
It took her 53 hours to swim 110 miles in open water.
Before she embarked on this treacherous journey, she hadn’t swum a single lap for 30 years, and her journey was one of endless trial and error.
Full profile here.
My message today
My message for you today is:
Age is just a number and is only what you make it to be.
There is no such thing as prime time, it’s really all about your mindset.
This is a reminder for me to lighten up a bit and reassure myself that I am exactly where I need to be.
Wishing you a beautiful week ahead.
Love,
Abha x