We accept the solitary promise of death at birth. When is unknown, but it is a promise kept.  As we age, we are nudged and reminded that our moments here are passing.

We may gray, and lose muscle mass, hair, and bone density. We may gain or lose weight. We shrink, and gravity slowly, over time, weighs upon us and pulls us down. Where there might have been perk and bounce, there is dropped, wiggly-jiggly, wrinkled, and thighs dimpled by cellulite poured into jeans with the smoothing magic of spandex or elastane.  Flesh, moving, rolling, breasts hanging cumbersome, rescued with booby tape, keeping them from falling to the waistline, easily kneaded into a support bra making them upright. (A bit of an exaggeration. I am learning to cope and choose gratitude.)

Sounding perhaps like a horrible demise, some do not get the gift of gravity and leave this space long before imagined. Being grayed, furrowed, and sagged is an honor and privilege.

Mary Oliver asked, ‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’ I’m still figuring that out, even past middle age. What is next? What will I do? How will I contribute? I can hobnob around the house and yard, but that is not in the world. Is there something that waits for me to discover?

If graced with time and gravity, how can we live well? This is not new information, but four things may support longevity in a wrinkled sack of water.  MOVEMENT – is life. LIFTING – is stability.  FOOD – is fuel. VILLAGE – is support.

Movement means energy and the ability to do simple things like put on your socks, get up from a chair, or climb stairs. I want to hike, run, walk the boardwalk, and shake my groove thing in liberation. Got to keep moving!

Lifting means stability, the wiggle-waggle is tightened, even if the scale doesn’t move. Muscle looks good, clothes fit better. Some YouTube favorites are Mr. and Mrs. Muscle; Heather Robinson, Fitness Blender, R C Fitness, and Jessicasmithtv. Powerabs is a subscription, but once you pay, the videos are yours for future use. I like choosing short or targeted trouble-area workouts from the comfort of my home.

I want to enjoy everything in moderation. Water is necessary and life-supporting, but too much can kill you. If we follow the simple rules of color variety in vegetables, protein for muscle, fiber for digestion, eating slowly, and in good company might they guide us?  I don’t want to ban white foods, carbs, sugar, or alcohol.  I have lived long enough to enjoy a drink! I am a long-time food tracker — it keeps me honest. I even track my tequila!  

As cliché as it is… the village, the people that know and love you, and surround you in light and truth can make your life and world a place that guides, grows, and sustains you. When you give the same, you are doubly enriched and blessed — what a world it would be.

The challenges, calamities, gifts, and surprises are out there. We need not worry about the promise.  Let’s take it a day at a time, moment by moment, and embrace it all.