Archives:






June 2010

May 2010

March 2010

February 2010

January 2010

December 2009

November 2009

October 2009

September 2009

August 2009

July 2009

June 2009

May 2009

April 2009

March 2009

February 2009

January 2009

December 2008

November 2008

October 2008

September 2008

August 2008

July 2008

June 2008

May 2008

April 2008

March 2008

February 2008

January 2008

December 2007

November 2007

October 2007

September 2007

August 2007

July 2007

June 2007

May 2007

April 2007

March 2007

February 2007

January 2007

December 2006

November 2006












October 2009 Archives





October 22, 2009
 






I'm a Big Girl, Now

Dear Girlfriends,

 

Last week was my birthday. I say last week because I celebrated for days on end. Because I turned 50.

 

All my life, I've waited for this important day. Don't ask me why, but 16, 21, 30, and 40 were not particularly important milestone birthdays for me. Although they represent an age when there is a shift in opportunity, responsibility - and at 40, shifting boobs and buns - I can't say that any were ages that I looked forward to becoming. But 50. This one is different.

 

This is the age I've always wanted to be. I am a big girl, now.

 

At 50 I am fully aware of all that is right and wrong with the world; but at 50 I know that not all things can be fixed, and only a precious few need to be fixed by me.

 

At 50 I have perspective on what is important and what is insignificant; and I know at 50 to focus my energies and resources only on things that are meaningful and lasting.

 

At 50 I know what it is to invest in myself or to play the martyr; and at 50 I have learned to really be kind to me.

 

At 50 I realize that I can choose to read this month's Vogue or the Holy Bible; and at 50, I long to know the mind and ways of God much more than this season's color.

 

Our stay-young, look-young, be-young culture has stripped away the pride of milestone birthdays after 30. It's not that I don't want to look and be at my best - don't get me wrong. I have a rendezvous with "Travis" (the treadmill) every morning at 6:45 a.m. I have nearly spent the equivalent of the national budget deficit on creams, potions, and procedures to look "dewy and radiant". And you won't find me wearing sensible shoes; I'll continue to shop 'til I drop to find the best deal on a great pair of heels (preferably Jimmy Choos). But I won't be defined by those things that only defined me when I was younger. Today, more so than ever, I will be defined by the condition of my heart and the wisdom of my soul.

 

Because this is the age I've always wanted to be. I am a big girl, now.

 

 

Celebrating liberation,

Ellen

Posted by Ellen on October 22, 2009 10:44 AM  |  Category: A Note from Ellen






12 Comments
View Comments | Post Comment