How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were? ~Satchel Paige

The wheels of time are turning and they are telling me I am getting closer to that dreaded old woman label. Truth be known, I don’t really think I am old, but there are days when I feel it closing in. Remember that movie, The Mummy? The most memorable line in that movie is when the mummy tells Rick O’Connor, “Death is only the beginning”. Do you remember it? That guy was quite the optimist, eh? Well, regardless, I’m not there yet and I’m sure neither are you.

Now, it is no secret that with each passing year, you begin to feel and see notable changes in your body and your stamina, let’s just say it isn’t what is used to be. However, those changes are not a sign that is time to throw in the towel. In fact, this is when life really begins to take shape and things make more sense. When I was younger, I remember wasting a lot of time with futile and unimportant things, but now, as I grow older, every day becomes more meaningful and how I spend it more valuable. I used to get so frustrated about the stupidest things people would say or do, and now, I weigh everything carefully. I’ve learned to be more patient and things don’t bother me nearly as much as they used to.

Well, there is this one thing that’s been bugging me for three years…we were having dinner with some friends when out of the blue we got to talking about aging. “So, Beba, you’re hitting the big 4-0 next month aren’t you?” arrg! “Yes, I am” I replied, but just then my crazy mind reminded me that I was in fact turning 39 and not 40. There I was just a month before my birthday and had totally skipped my 38th. How crazy is that?!? I was upset with myself, absolutely dumbfounded and felt so stupid!

So, I ended up repeating my 39th and all the anxiety of nearing the big 4-0 was relieved all over again. So, here’s the deal…I’ve decided I am reclaiming that lost year. Yes, that’s right! Come January 9, 2011, I will be celebrating my 38th birthday. This is not denial or telling a lie about my age, people!  It is simply reclaiming a lost year. Don’t worry, come 2012, I’ll be 42 and it may even begin to show by then (sadly); I’ll be blogging about anti-wrinkle creams and Botox.

All joking aside, growing old is one of those things we can’t avoid, hard as we try. Mark Twain once said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. “Here’s the thing though…we can’t ignore it, so why not embrace it? Rather than fear it and dread it, why not welcome it with pride and honor? We spend so much time focusing on our bodies, our wrinkles and mourning our youth, that we forget to enjoy the mature years for what they are; the years of reaping what we’ve sown. Growing older gives us access to more than just senior discounts at department stores and the local Denny’s. It is our time to let our scars speak for themselves, and a time to mentor those who do not yet have the capacity or maturity to understand what life is all about.

Proverbs 16:31

“Grey hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life…”

I can’t wait to celebrate my 38th birthday this January!