Aging Gracefully

Almost every day someone says to me, "You are not fifty-one!" 

            And I say back, "How much do I owe you." har har "I don't feel fifty-one, either." Every day I wake up and people keep getting older around me. And me, I keep looking the same in the mirror, except for a few gray hairs, which really I've had since my 20's.

            What's the secret of feeling young and looking young? For me, I'm sure a lot of it is not having children and grand responsibilities. High anxiety jobs and rearing children can age the youngest of souls. I guess that's why gay men stay young looking so long. lol

            Also, I remember when I was in my twenties I began to care for my skin. I always used face and hand lotion and began getting facials in my thirties. I know that's helped a lot. 

            As far as diet goes, I eat a very eclectic mix of healthy and some fun food, but mostly stay in a good balance of healthy food, never really depriving myself of anything I really want. I have been that way my entire life. I just balance everything with exercise.

            Exercise has been the same as taking care of my skin. I've been a steady exerciser my whole life. The past twenty years I combine a bit of weight lifting with a lot of yoga, which is perfect for my body's chemistry. There are even specific yoga moves to help keep the years from showing on your body and face. There is an entire series called "The Tibetan Series" that is known for its use to create agelessness. Bet you didn't know that.

            I'd be happy to show you that one, if you're interested. But you do have to spin like a dervish at the beginning of the exercise. 

            I guess the last thing that makes me feel young is simply laughing a lot. I grew up with five brothers and sisters in a home that was very tense. We learned young that if we were going to survive, we were going to have to become comedians for each other. We used to play this game called, "Laugh time," where we would sit in a circle and try to make each other laugh. If you were the one who laughed, you had to get up and be the comedian. So, sometimes we would act completely crazy. 

            My mother and I still laugh that hard sometimes. I thank God for laughter. I know it heals the soul and probably has been the single most helpful thing that has kept me feeling young.

            Take some time today to laugh! And remember, if you feel young, you probably look young too.