You're never too old to...well...on second thought...
I had a birthday this week and it got me thinking about my friends who always take life to the "next level". I think it is important to AKL (always keep learning), but I'm not all about a never ending bucket list of "to-do's". This may be more of a bucket list of "to-don'ts" as we age.
I went on a hike Saturday with the entire CTFamily. They all thought it would be a terrific idea to climb the Royal Arch on the Flatirons in Boulder. I'm no amateur, but dang, it was tough. I can honestly say that I had hoped to one day climb this trail, but I am pretty sure that once will be enough. One thing that kept running through my head was, "Just don't get hurt, fall, or have to be rescued by flight for life because it will take 10 men to finesse this body down a rock face". Also, "For the love of God, why did I wear my cute cuffed jeans and new sweater?" DON'T GO UNPREPARED.
I was walking this week with 2 of my people and we absentmindedly were taking up most of the sidewalk. An older gentleman was passing and I looked up, smiled, and said, hello. His response was, "What do YOU want me to do...walk in the STREET?" It caught me off-guard and I just apologized and kept walking. DONT BE RUDE. You may know more than the younger generation, but you don't need to go around with a chip on your shoulder just waiting for one of them to mess up!
We all have our sweats and slippers days, but as we age, we tend to let things go just chalking it up in the "oh well" column. DON'T LET YOURSELF GO. Your self esteem is tied to taking good care of yourself. Yes ladies, we notice the gray streak and nasty chipped nails. Mom jeans are not flattering. Ask one of your more stylish friends for advice. Trust me; they would love to give you some pointers! Chances are, you will be giving THEM pointers on something else!
MEN....this is for you. DON'T LET YOURSELF GO. At the minimum, take the time to shear those unruly eyebrows and nose hairs. Keep your neck beard trimmed and please try using whitening toothpaste. Dry cleaning your shirts goes a long way. Don't get lazy ...we notice and appreciate men who keep themselves put together. Baggy, Dad jeans are no longer in style and wearing your new balance tennis shoes with those said jeans are a NO as well. 9/10 times you can afford the right stuff, but you tend to "hate shopping" or "don't know what looks good". Ask a stylish friend or their spouse...they would love to help!
I was recently at a happy hour with a group of ladies and by the time we got through the order, I needed a valium. I swear, everyone had some draw-bridge raise up and hit the waitress squarely in the jaw. "I don't like kale", "Is this Happy Hour red wine? It's not very good", "I'm allergic to shell-fish", "Does this has gluten"? DON'T SHARE YOUR ISMS. Unless you are going to die, avoid the obvious. I have a bad allergy to mushrooms, but it does NOT bother me one bit if there is something served with mushrooms. There is always plenty of food and drink. I am not going to go hungry, and YES, Happy Hour wine is cheap and has the taste to go with it!
One of my friends hasn't been to the doctor in years. She doesn't like to go and what she doesn't know "won't hurt her". Unfortunately, it may hurt the people who love her the most. DON'T PUT OFF MEDICAL CARE. While we have been so busy taking care of everyone else, we have forgotten #1. Most insurance covers a yearly exam, blood work, and all of the basics. Make an appointment and get it on your calendar. It will take 1 hour out of your life, but may save your life. You are important to the people around you.
My parents are celebrating their 80/60 next year. It is amazing to me how great they are and beautiful inside and out. It's easy for me to get distracted, to set aside family calls, etc... DON'T MISS A CHANCE TO CONNECT. Is it trite to say, "You never know when that last conversation will be?" … Make the most of your time with the family. Kids come racing in and out, then, in the blink of an eye, they move out. Life is short, friends come and go, but if you are blessed enough to have family, pick up the phone and make a quick call.
No regrets!
CoffeeTalkMom
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