Back when I was in my 30s - a new mom, a marathoner, a high school cross country and track coach, a blogger - I was basically trying to prove to anyone and, even more so to myself, that I could do it all and do it all "relatively" well. I mean, weren't we all, though? That is not, in fact, what was happening, but bonus points to young Rebecca for believing in herself regardless. In my mid-30s I was typically running 80 miles a week and two marathons a year. I was on the advisory board at my daughters' school. I was picking up and dropping off my girls at their seven different activities with a large coffee and a smile on my face. I was also stocking the fridge, finding lost socks and helping with homework. I would scoff internally at those who would say just wait until you're in your 50s as they watched me try to juggle all the things while also physically and emotionally holding it all together. These were kind words of wisdom from friends, family, teammates, really anyone who had waded through these whirlwind decades and come out on the other side with a new perspective based on reality. And part of me "got it" but the other part of me wondered if maybe I'd be different. Perhaps I could work, train, write and be a good mom without all the typical changes that creep in as we age? Alas, here I am, age 51. My girls are both in college, ages 19 and 21. My mom role has changed dramatically but it's wonderful. I'm still running, but nowhere near the level I was twenty years ago. I'm still working but feeling the side effects of stress and fatigue on a totally different level. Don't get me wrong. I still love it all. And I'm happy to be doing it. But, as all those wise women told me way back when, the pace of everything has slowed. I suppose I now realize there is simply no way to avoid it. Today, for me, life requires more time, patience and in some cases, quite a bit of letting go and saying no. It is still good. Very different. But really good.
50s VS 30s: A TOP 10 LIST
~ In my 30s the colder New England winters didn't impact me that much. Temps in the 40s were warm-ish. I'd easily be running in shorts and a t-shirt in 40 degrees. Now, I'm legitimately not warm until summer. Fall, winter, spring...doesn't matter. I'm always cold.
~ Back in my 30s I was more social. I would go out with friends or with the hubs regularly. And, sometimes if I stayed out a little longer I'd find myself asking, do I really need this second glass of wine? Today, I ask the same question, but in the morning instead of night. And I substitute wine with coffee. And the answer is always yes.
~ In my 30s I was always trying to go see live music. I would constantly be on the lookout for fun bands or artists to go see. Today, my search criteria is based solely on when the show starts and whether there is an opening band. Not many shows starting before 9pm these days. I don't get out to see much live music anymore.
~ My 30s was all about texting. Text me your number. Text me when you're here. Today, I can't always remember where I leave my phone (in a closet, bag, my car) so I'd really prefer that you called me. Both to hear your voice and probably to help me find my phone.
~ In my 30s I would wake up and hit the ground running. Now? I still get up and get moving. For coffee. But then for my next trick, well, let's just say it can sometimes take hours before I'm rolling.
~ In my 30s I would take every opportunity to travel and try new things. Time changes didn't phase me and I could sleep with my small children in a cot if it meant going to a new country. Last week I went to Spain to visit my daughter I'm still tired from the trip itself, the travel, the time change, all of it. Let's just say there won't be any more trips in the near future.
~ In my 30s, with little kids, I would constantly accumulate stuff. Toys, clothes, snacks, multiple bags full of crap that I thought I needed. Today I want nothing more than to eliminate the extra junk in my life. I'm all about the purge and find myself doing it regularly. Less is more.
~ In my 30s I could multitask like a boss. Put the groceries away, while texting, while feeding the dogs, yes. All of it. Today if I do that I will likely drop something and break it or lose my balance and break myself.
