Now What?! This is 47

In the past, I have addressed friendships in adulthood, parenting struggles, seasonal pressures among other topics. What I haven’t chatted about is aging. . . like when you see your parents’ actions in yourself and have to eat a big serving of crow.

I understand that I am not in my 70s yet, but my body sure feels like it sometimes.

A firm handshake can hurt due to arthritis in my hands. Sometimes trying to open jars or lids is impossible for the same reason. It hurts to sit or lie in certain positions for long periods of time. (That never bothered me when I was younger, but now if I am lying on the ground watching TV or stretching, as I am want to do, I actually have to turn my head or body slowly to avoid pain.)

I always thought older people were being a little dramatic, but (spoiler alert) – they weren’t!

These days, I very rarely stand up or get out of a car without making a noise. The first time I heard myself involuntarily make a noise like I had heard my mother and grandmother before her do so many times, I cringed a bit. But it can’t be helped.

When my son or my nieces and nephews were little, they would climb on me or hop on my lap like it was nothing. It didn’t always feel good, but it didn’t bother me like it does now with my great nephew. (Clarification – HE does not bother me; his acrobatics bother my bones.)

I fully admit that a lot of my aches and soreness come from the fact that I am definitely not as active as I should be on a regular basis, but I’m working on it. I’d love to be able to be that active grandmother (God willing) but I have some work to do.

Although I can still drive at night, it is difficult. My eyesight is fine, but my sensitivity to the lights from other cars has gotten horrible. I find myself adjusting my mirrors to deflect a little, but it doesn’t always help. It seems to be getting worse with time.

Am I the only one in my age bracket that finds themselves complaining about other drivers’ lights? It sure feels like an ‘older person’ thing to do. Just like I know I’m getting old when I comment on young drivers driving too fast or not paying attention. I think I’m a little too young to have those complaints, but here we are.

On the flip side, there are reasons that I am grateful to be my age. I know it is super cliche to say that with age has come wisdom and life experience, but it’s true. When I think back to my 20s or even my early 30s, I know that THAT Stephanie wouldn’t have had the perspective that the me of today has. I certainly have a long way to go with life experience (hopefully), but I have to give myself credit for what I have learned.

With age has come the knowledge that everything is temporary. As bleak as that may sound to some, it is how I have gotten through some really difficult times. Younger me would never have been able to see the big picture in that way 47-year-old me does.

Along the same lines, what bothered me before has somehow lessened with age. When agitating situations arise, I think to myself, ‘Is this really something worth giving energy?’

Most of the time the answer is ‘no,’ and I realize it either has nothing to do with me and I shouldn’t take things personally – or it’s temporary and will pass… see how that comes full circle?

Having just said good-bye to my 46th year, I am not afraid of the aches and pains or even the noises that were previously only heard from my parents and grandparents. I don’t love those things, but I’m not afraid. As long as I continue to keep my heart and mind open to the lessons gained from life experience along the way, I can handle anything.