Hello, Fifty Three

I was at a store yesterday, treating myself to a little pre-birthday present.

Under those hideous fluorescent lights, I began the horrible realizations of aging. As I bent over to examine what had happened to my legs over the last year, I began the descent into being hyper-critical of myself.

I tossed everything back and burst through the doors into the fresh air. As the glow of the fluorescent lights faded, I came to a realization:

NO.

 I gave myself two minutes of mourning my aging legs, and began finding positive words.

Going with it, I have written my own manifesto. 

Here goes:

This year, I will continue to gather.

I will find art each day. 

I will find it in the simple things, I will create it. I will make it happen and I will share it.

I will buy some chicks, feed them, keep them warm and nurture them into giving us fresh eggs.

I will always wear sunscreen. Sunshine is meant to be enjoyed in vast quantities, preferably in or near water.

I might even wear a hat.

I will look at my legs that I have inherited from my father and stand up for them. I won't hide them away, but I will protect them just a little more. 

I will begin yoga and return to swimming. 

I refuse to be a hardbody.

I will say thank you every day and keep record of things I am grateful for. 

I will tell my family that I love them with words and actions.

I will practice spiritual white space. 

I will raise my hands when I sing and lift my face up to the One who desires to infuse great joy to my life. I will remind myself that every single day, there are new mercies waiting for me.

Every day.

I will continue to dance in my kitchen and list my favorite songs and REVEL in their variety. 

Best of all,

I will throw my head back and laugh as many times as possible and for as long as I need to.

I will not say no to tears.

I will seek wise counsel. 

I will be willing:

To learn

To say I don't know

To ask for help

and

I will not fall apart at disapproval.

I will make every effort to be nice to myself when I just cannot seem to get all my sh*t together and my brain has ceased to be young and fresh and I am hot for no reason. 

Because this will pass.

Amen.

Linking to

Paint Party Friday

Art Journal Every Day