Squat-thrusts...be damned!

     Later, today, I am going to attend a gathering, which is being held in the honor of a family- friend, who will turn 90, this coming December. Imagine that...to have lived for, almost, one, entire, century...crazy, right? Even though, decades, younger than she, at this stage of my life, I, sometimes, find myself wondering what may be in store for me, if I'm blessed to have, yet, as many years, as my friend. Years before my disorder demanded that I learn to live with physical-ails, I would wonder about the act of aging, and of how it might impact on me, and my future years; asking myself, 'would I prefer to fail physically, or, mentally?' Interestingly, enough, I already know what it feels like to lose one's physical prowess, and, so, am able to answer that personal inquiry. If I had the choice, and, of course, I, really, do not, I would opt for optimal, mental- well-being, any day...HANDS DOWN! Of course, it's difficult to learn to live with physical changes; to lack the energy one might, always, have known, to no loner be able to participate in, and, perform at, activities, once managed, previously, without pain. Hey...getting older comes with it's own set of challenges; but, when one, additionally, becomes plagued by disease, or, disorder, the difficulty one might face, is, certainly, greater. The thing is, over the years, post-diagnosis, I have become much stronger, in a mental and emotional sense. It took some time to 'get here', as does anything worth pursuing; and, due to my perseverance, I am able to put things in perspective, and, appreciate the life I have, thriving within the walls of my 'new normal'. So, if I could choose an outcome for my aged-self, decades down the road, I would wish to maintain my mental-faculties, and, a keen awareness for all that I might experience; even if this includes more, physical, challenge(s). If, one day, it becomes impossible for me to exercise my body, I hope, at least, to be able to exercise my mind. Just Sayin...