And then I opened the mail

I got a horrifying piece of mail the other day. I was surprised at how I felt about it. The emotions it brought out.

Diminishment. It’s too late, you’re officially old. You’re done. So long, and thanks for all the the fish.

What was this pivotal piece of mail?

It was from a company reminding me that I’m turning 64 soon, and it’s time for me to start learning about Medicare options. I’ve got a year.

Crap. They found me.

I started noticing things. More bags, spots, wrinkles and flakes. How I shouldn’t wear anything shorter than top of the knee or sleeveless tops. How certain things I used to love to eat give me indigestion. And those lovely Cosmo’s? Forget it, unless I want to be witch woman the next day.

I started asking questions. Who is this Alexa my son keeps talking to? What is a bitcoin? Does Google Home do windows?

My thought processes are changing. I am filtering out noise more. If my brain doesn’t think it’s something that will be of use to me I discard it. If it’s something I really need to know it will find me.

I’m changing, and I like it. I appreciate sunsets, sunrises, and coffee made my way. I’m enjoying lighter, healthier meals and learning to appreciate good wine. My yoga class goes into my calendar every week (and I usually get there). I walk two miles three times a week and keep 3 lb weights and a stretch band next to my computer, which I use for my 1 minute work outs. I’m taking time for a daily meditation practice (sometimes 5 minutes, sometimes 30). I work with clients I love, teach in companies and lecture about health and wellness, and do volunteer work with two very different kinds of organizations. My husband and I are starting to talk and dream about where we want to go next (literally and figuratively) creating a future that we are excited to step in to. It’s like the excitement of moving away from home, and getting my first job and apartment. Only I’m wiser and a lot smarter. I can make better choices for who I am.

Age is just a number. Yes, I have heard it before, but now it means something to me. I’ll define it for myself, my way, thank you very much.

My grocery store now has an app that lets you scan your groceries as you shop and then breeze through the express line. Maybe I’ll check that out. The Medicare thing – well, I’ll get to it.

Myra Oney is a “Prime Time” health and life coach who specializes in working with people who are transitioning into retirement. Her ebook “Eat Your Way To A Better Brain In 5 Days” is available here

She can be reached at myra@myraoneyhealthcoaching.com