Tuesday, October 9, 2012

The 50's are long gone... now what???

Do you ever watch PBS TV when they bring the groups of singers from the 1950's and 60's? Some are newly formed, but most of them are the original groups. 

I love to watch. First of all, I can sing along in perfect tune, remembering every word. We grew up with that music, we sat and listened to it until we knew how to sing it like they did. We were yesterday's karaoke contenders. 

Second... I am captivated as I watch those in the tv audience.. they are just like me, they sing along, and they remember the songs, all of them, word for word. The only difference is... they are all OLD! 

I see gray haired ladies and big tummys and bottoms filling those seats.... And just a moment before, I was thinking we had so much in common! 

I don't want a big tummy (or bottom) and I don't have gray hair (at least I don't THINK I do... that's one of those things we may never know, and my hair dresser doesn't either, I am she... 

Still... I have a lot in common with that audience. Life was simpler in the 50's and 60's. At least by the standards and pace of today's world, it sure feels like it was. 

Another thing I am seeing is... the wrinkles and age in my own face are telling me that I am not that young vibrant person I used to be in my 20's,30's and even 40's. 

I really do FEEL young, and it's for sure I know myself in ways I never did back in those years. I think I'm in the years that knows I have gotten older, but I feel young in my heart. 

Like someone wrote in a magazine, she saw her face one morning in the toaster as she leaned forward, and thought there was an intruder in her kitchen! 

 When my mother in law was in her upper 80's, with short gray curls, she clipped a magazine picture for her hairdresser to copy, it was a super model in her 20's with long flowing blonde hair, and she wanted THAT hair... we all laughed together about it, and we all loved her spunk that felt anything was possible. 

Whatever our age, we have choices every day. My choice is to admit my age, but fight hard AGAINST what I know I COULD look like, which is not the way I WANT to look. 

Looks do matter, and how I look on the outside says something about how I am on the inside. I don't mean glamour... I mean doing the very best we can with what we have and where we are... THAT'S what I want to do. 

It's easy to say that's a pride issue, or that's for the really young. I think that can be a cop out. I've tried to cop out with those thoughts many times. Nope... God makes it clear we are to be our best in ALL areas. How I take care of myself is definitely one of those areas. 

It also makes me sharper and more cheerful when I am doing those things. 

I knew a woman once who said 'I'm older now, so I'm going to eat what I want to forget exercise and just enjoy life.'... It doesn't work for me!... I NEED the discipline and order of a healthy life style to do it God's way. He designed our bodies, and they work better when we are healthy. Period. 

That's a pretty long 'sermon' this morning, but it's right where I am... needing to do this every day, and on many days it isn't what I FEEL like doing, so ESPECIALLY on those days, I am on high alert to make the right choices. 

Do you relate??


20 comments:

Vee said...

☺ Not too much...

manthano said...

There you go. Picking on us again.
But will still give it some thought.
Thanks.

Farm Girl said...

I totally agree with you!!! I was just vacuuming and was thinking I need to start doing some serious exercising so I am not so stiff. I am with you. I will fight this not because I am vain, because I am but I want to be able to keep active for all of those people around me. I was thinking the other day about being the temple of the Holy Spirit.
In the first temple, when God filled it with His glory, It must have been splendid to see. If now that we are that temple and we house the Holy Spirit, shouldn't we care how ours looks too? Not to worship it but to care for it so we can continue to serve those whom God has called us to minister to, All the days of our life.
You always inspire me and cause me to think and you do cause me to tell you what I was thinking. :)
Now, I need to keep busy. It is always nice to stop and visit with you Sonja. Have a great week.

Maryann said...

There are times when I wonder how I got to be this old...I mean, I don't "feel" old... that is until I start pushing this not quite so young body to it's limits...then I feel every bit of my age.
But I continue to push, continue to do the things I know I need to do...I think God expects us to do our part

Debbie Petras said...

Oh my goodness, do we think alike or what? I didn't know you posted on the topic of choices and guess what my post is about? Choices...

I'm with you. No matter how old I am, I want to try to do the best with what the Lord gave me. Sometimes when I look in the mirror or see a photo of myself, I shudder. Greg gets so mad at me but I just look so different than what I imagine myself to be. I am working on my exercise and eating healthy regimen which lapse a bit with all the turmoil of the last few years. But I know how important that is to my health so I'm on it.

I know that when I keep myself in good shape and do the best I can within reason, I am more outgoing and feel better. I interact more with others too.

And I know most of the words to those songs from the 60's. I was born in 1953 so the 50's aren't as familiar. However, I do remember "How Much is that Doggy in the Window". My family was a singing family. My mom played the piano and we all sang with her at home or in the car. Now the only ones who get to hear me sing are the 3-4 year old children in my class and they don't seem to mind that I can sometimes be off key.

Have I told you lately how much you bring joy to my heart Sonja?

Love you,
Debbie

Debbie said...

This was a great post and one I can definitely relate to. I honestly feel very much the same way in my heart and head as I did when I was young. Now that I am in my late 50's though my body is REALLY starting to age, (the arthritis and my cancer surgery don't help!)and I find myself struggling WAY too soon. But I fight it as best I can. Color my hair and keep a modern style, make up every day, coordinated outfits and jewelry, and regularly do mani's and pedi's. But it is such a battle. I try to watch what I eat (I need to do better!) and I will admit arthritis makes exercising tough, but I do push myself at times. It seems sometimes that throwing in the towel and just letting it all go would be sooo much easier...but I know that is wrong, and NOT what my God requires and wants of me. This was most thought provoking Sonja. Hope you had a good day!

myletterstoemily said...

preach it, sister! there is a fine line
between vanity and self respect. i
don't like to dress much (prefer sweat
pants, etc.) but remind myself that i
show respect to others when i present
myself nicely.

now about the exercise . . .

Felisol said...

Of course I like to sing-along.Being brought up with a mother who would at least sing every evening, and a brother who knows the every text of our childhood's songbook. I am a lousy, but passionate singer. I told Gunnar he wasn't allowed to put our daughter to bed unless he song for her. Guess what, he song himself asleep.
Being who I am, I'm not that good with exercise. I still like walking on the beach, but most of all I love gardening. I was so relieved when I read, gardening is a very good exercise.
And I stick to my diet most of the time.
I have problems walking past the Snickers bars though. My trick; I eat before I go shopping food.
Helps me making better choices..

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Oh, I could have written this post! I agree 100% with every word. My parents set such a good example for me in this area and it paid off. I take care of myself to the best of my ability, eat generally fairly healthy and I do believe it has and will continue to pay off in the years ahead.

When GBS struck my Dad a year and a half ago at age 81, the Drs. told him if he had not been in such good shape that it would have killed him. But, he has made the most miraculous recovery. He will never make a full recovery but he can now walk and take care of all his daily needs. It serves as a huge inspiration to me.

Thanks Sonja for another great entry!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Well I do have grey hair...and it is showing! I know that I need to keep my body in top shape, because God blessed me with a child at age 45 and that child doesn't want to wheel me around when I am suppose to be driving him around...LOL

Good message, now I feel guilty for what I just ate, and I missed the gym today...so tomorrow up and at it again in order to have the energy to do as God has called me to do...take care of the what He has created

Saleslady371 said...

I love those old Rock n Roll groups too on PBS and agree too that we older girls should do everything we can to maintain our health and glorify God every day in our bodies.

Patrinas Pencil said...

I plead the fifth....no comment :)

hugs,
Patrina <")>><

Just Be Real said...

I certainly do watch PBS. Especially when they do the British Invasion. Blessings to you Sonja.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

The 50s's may be history, but I'm approaching that milestone in my earthly tenure. Yes, I get this. Yes, I want to look my best, live my best. So often I choose to look and live otherwise.

This is a continuing focus for me, perhaps amped up a degree or two so that I can begin to see some change.

By the way, I think you're beautiful!

peace~elaine

Kathleen said...

Every now and then I turn our sattelite TV station to the "oldies", and then have myself a marvelous trip down memory lane. I love songs from the 50s & 60s, and so do my adult children.

As for aging ... I'm fighting it tooth & nail (as long as I have them)

I love the way you've connected the dots here. You always make me grin.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

DEAR SONJA!

Oh how fabulous of a message! It was just a couple of weeks ago that my husband and I caught one of these shows as we were preparing the tv to watch a movie. We were captivated to see the old shows from our childhood.

I BELIEVE in admitting our age. We can do all we can to improve our health from WITHIN that truly helps our outer appearance, but what I am loving about growing older, is that I am GROWING UP.

You are so kind to come to visit me and leave such sweet words. God has given each of us a gift to use and sometimes I feel that I cannot help myself but to create ANYTHING, SOMETHING, because it is a feeling that lives inside me.

Enjoy a wonderful weekend and GOD BLESS YOU! Anita

Andrea said...

I need to exercise and get this body in better shape before it falls completely apart on me.
Hugs,
andrea

Diana Ferguson said...

Aging! Yep... I know what you r saying. Hugs

Barbara said...

Hi, I just love this time of year, and love your blog too, sorry I have not been around much, trying to get back into the swing of blogging again, and visiting all my favorite blogs too. Have a great Saturday, and such a beautiful fall day here in Georgia. Hugs my friend.

RCUBEs said...

Working nights for so long just doesn't help for me. I believe that's why sometimes, I feel like I'm 90...I'm in my mid-40's. :) But you're right. We have to take care of our bodies so we be at our best also to serve our Lord while here. Thank you for visiting me. Oh, thanks be to God! I was able to replace that clog with the hole!!! With what? Another pair of black clogs. LOL.