A few weeks ago, after shooting a bow and arrow for the first time ever, my husband teased me about the pain in my shoulder and back that I would encounter the next day. And I’m happy to report that I did not experience any discomfort the following day. But we never know what tomorrow will bring.
There is something about turning 40 though that seems to deactivate many internal parts and processes in both women and men alike; as though a switch has been turned on or off, depending on the complaint. As we get older, our bones weaken, joints ache and swell, and bladders become overactive. As I near 50, each new day is like a game of Operation, cautiously avoiding a sudden movement out of bed for fear of tweaking a muscle and then waiting to see what part of me will not want to cooperate. Maybe today will bring on knee pain, foot tenderness, tingling sensations, or a swollen finger joint from who knows how or where.
As I walk up and down stairs, many times a day, I’m reminded by my noisy knee that I’m not as young as I used to be! If all is quiet, that knee gives away my age with each and every step…sounding like a creaking door in need of some WD-40. It’s a good thing being stealthy isn’t a requirement, since I would have to walk stiff-legged in order to achieve a quiet entrance or exit by stairs. And what a sight that would be!
Since jogging and high impact exercise may no longer be a friend to my joints, I will continue to walk two miles a day for 5 days a week, I guess. But with winter moving in soon and the recent time change, yoga and my exercise bike will have to sustain my bone health and weight until the spring. For now, I will be thankful for waking up each and every day and trying to find humor in life’s little reminders that I’m no longer a spring chicken!