Let Me Get Honest
Tuesday July 12, 2011
As you all know, I am 53 & over half way to my 54th bday so closer to 54 now than 53. I also know many of you don't like when I write "negative" things about myself. I don't feel they are negative but telling it like it is - age does create body issues that only "some work" or a good good dermatologist can help make better - and most of these procedures are very expensive.
BEFORE I CONTINUE - those that dislike when I do this, please read to the end because I will tell you some great stuff that I like about myself too!
As a person that has been on the health & fitness bandwagon since my 20's, also done bodybuilding contests (late 30's) & then just major into weights & exercise & health - it is hard when we get older & the body "attacks us". I think we can be even harder on ourselves because being fit is part of who we are as a person.
I always have & still work very hard at being fit & healthy & leaner for my age AND keeping muscle as I age. In my 40's, all was still looking good. I think I felt my best in those years. At 47ish, perimenopause hit & I had to work harder but the bod did not fight back too hard yet (except for the hot flashes & sweats that are still going on!). Come 50, all hell broke loose!
So yes, if I had the money, honestly, I would do a few things that I can't correct with all my healthy eating, cardio and weight workouts. Yes, I would do that new cold laser to help with the lower tummy (non-invasive) or one of those other procedures. Yes, I would get a little help on the face (not craziness but just to look 40's rather then 50's). I don't want to look like some of those "housewives" on reality TV.
Yes, I would get that rug of hair growing all over my face removed! That hair stuff - drives me crazy as each day there is more & I am being honest. I have almost given up on the plucking & trying to get rid of the really obvious stuff because tomorrow it is there again and more - EXCEPT where I need it, my eyebrows! For those that want to suggest waxing & shaving & all that - does not work for my face. Skin thins with age plus the hair is what causes my breakouts so shaving or waxing just make it worse. AND my face changes every couple weeks. There is no keeping up with how to take care of it - constantly changing! YOUNGER PEOPLE - BE NICE TO YOUR MOM WHEN SHE TELLS YOU THIS - IT IS TRUE!
Many of you will not understand this until you get to this point in life but it is very very hard to deal with all these changes that you have no control of & just want them to stop! Honestly, WTF!
BUT, I AM VERY PROUD OF WHAT I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED FOR MY AGE!
This was after my easier leg day & tried to flex the muscles at the end of the workout but pics don't show it too well. A peek of EARLY EARLY morn face! :-O
I am proud that I have kept fit & healthy for so many years seeing that I lost the weight in high school, then put a little back on in college. Than I lost again in my twenties but was not really eating the right way & learned better in my 30's, 40's & now 50's.
I have added learning always to my list of most important things in weight loss/maintenance along with consistency, patience & finding what works best for you.
AND WHAT DOES KEEPING FIT & HEALTHY LET YOU DO - Just a few things I can do that maybe someone my age who "has given up" can't. There are more but I stopped at 10.
1. I can play with all my grandkids & not worry about not keeping up. I can even lift the little 30++ pounder up high from his mom on the ground so he can slide down the big slide since there were not stairs to the bigger slide. He was so happy - he smiled big & said THX NANA! You can see in the first pic below, the side he could not get up & I lifted him to the top from his mom at the bottom.
2. I can lift a case of water or any case of drink easily & put it in & out of the car trunk.
3. I can open jars & bottles. Sometimes I think about people as I do this & wonder if they lived alone, how would they open some of these things cause they are screwed on TIGHT!
4. I can do a hard core workout & walk with a friend in the same day - no probs - well now that I have my Hokas to protect my aging feet!
5. I can walk up & down the stairs in the house multiple times without getting out of breath.
6. I can carry way too many bags of groceries or other stuff in the house at the same time. Yes, I do this BUT if you want more exercise, do it one bag at a time!
7. I can take those 45 pound plates off the weight machines that that people insist they can put on put are too tired or lazy to take off. I don't have to ask somebody else to do it.
8. I can do triceps dips - legs on 1 bench & hands on another - weight plates on the lap! I used to do these super heavy & am actually working up again. I had reduced the weight due to how fast my triceps grew but with age, moving the weight up again to keep it tight!
9. Push-ups in all forms!!!
10. I can just enjoy life whatever way I want & not have to think about whether I can do it or not.
PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! GETTING HEALTHY IS WORTH IT!!! What are you doing to make sure you don't give up?
I know many are not for the plastic surgery & redo types of things as we age, but me, if it makes a person feel better, if they are making informed decisions, if it is not crazy like the "cat lady" we see on TV. Why not. To each their own! I work hard so why not try to look a bit better as I age!
As you all know, I am 53 & over half way to my 54th bday so closer to 54 now than 53. I also know many of you don't like when I write "negative" things about myself. I don't feel they are negative but telling it like it is - age does create body issues that only "some work" or a good good dermatologist can help make better - and most of these procedures are very expensive.
BEFORE I CONTINUE - those that dislike when I do this, please read to the end because I will tell you some great stuff that I like about myself too!
As a person that has been on the health & fitness bandwagon since my 20's, also done bodybuilding contests (late 30's) & then just major into weights & exercise & health - it is hard when we get older & the body "attacks us". I think we can be even harder on ourselves because being fit is part of who we are as a person.
I always have & still work very hard at being fit & healthy & leaner for my age AND keeping muscle as I age. In my 40's, all was still looking good. I think I felt my best in those years. At 47ish, perimenopause hit & I had to work harder but the bod did not fight back too hard yet (except for the hot flashes & sweats that are still going on!). Come 50, all hell broke loose!
So yes, if I had the money, honestly, I would do a few things that I can't correct with all my healthy eating, cardio and weight workouts. Yes, I would do that new cold laser to help with the lower tummy (non-invasive) or one of those other procedures. Yes, I would get a little help on the face (not craziness but just to look 40's rather then 50's). I don't want to look like some of those "housewives" on reality TV.
Yes, I would get that rug of hair growing all over my face removed! That hair stuff - drives me crazy as each day there is more & I am being honest. I have almost given up on the plucking & trying to get rid of the really obvious stuff because tomorrow it is there again and more - EXCEPT where I need it, my eyebrows! For those that want to suggest waxing & shaving & all that - does not work for my face. Skin thins with age plus the hair is what causes my breakouts so shaving or waxing just make it worse. AND my face changes every couple weeks. There is no keeping up with how to take care of it - constantly changing! YOUNGER PEOPLE - BE NICE TO YOUR MOM WHEN SHE TELLS YOU THIS - IT IS TRUE!
Many of you will not understand this until you get to this point in life but it is very very hard to deal with all these changes that you have no control of & just want them to stop! Honestly, WTF!
BUT, I AM VERY PROUD OF WHAT I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED FOR MY AGE!
This was after my easier leg day & tried to flex the muscles at the end of the workout but pics don't show it too well. A peek of EARLY EARLY morn face! :-O
I am proud that I have kept fit & healthy for so many years seeing that I lost the weight in high school, then put a little back on in college. Than I lost again in my twenties but was not really eating the right way & learned better in my 30's, 40's & now 50's.
I have added learning always to my list of most important things in weight loss/maintenance along with consistency, patience & finding what works best for you.
AND WHAT DOES KEEPING FIT & HEALTHY LET YOU DO - Just a few things I can do that maybe someone my age who "has given up" can't. There are more but I stopped at 10.
1. I can play with all my grandkids & not worry about not keeping up. I can even lift the little 30++ pounder up high from his mom on the ground so he can slide down the big slide since there were not stairs to the bigger slide. He was so happy - he smiled big & said THX NANA! You can see in the first pic below, the side he could not get up & I lifted him to the top from his mom at the bottom.
2. I can lift a case of water or any case of drink easily & put it in & out of the car trunk.
3. I can open jars & bottles. Sometimes I think about people as I do this & wonder if they lived alone, how would they open some of these things cause they are screwed on TIGHT!
4. I can do a hard core workout & walk with a friend in the same day - no probs - well now that I have my Hokas to protect my aging feet!
5. I can walk up & down the stairs in the house multiple times without getting out of breath.
6. I can carry way too many bags of groceries or other stuff in the house at the same time. Yes, I do this BUT if you want more exercise, do it one bag at a time!
7. I can take those 45 pound plates off the weight machines that that people insist they can put on put are too tired or lazy to take off. I don't have to ask somebody else to do it.
8. I can do triceps dips - legs on 1 bench & hands on another - weight plates on the lap! I used to do these super heavy & am actually working up again. I had reduced the weight due to how fast my triceps grew but with age, moving the weight up again to keep it tight!
9. Push-ups in all forms!!!
10. I can just enjoy life whatever way I want & not have to think about whether I can do it or not.
PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! GETTING HEALTHY IS WORTH IT!!! What are you doing to make sure you don't give up?
I know many are not for the plastic surgery & redo types of things as we age, but me, if it makes a person feel better, if they are making informed decisions, if it is not crazy like the "cat lady" we see on TV. Why not. To each their own! I work hard so why not try to look a bit better as I age!
Posted by truth2beingfit at 7/11/2011 9:07 PM 
Categories: Fitness, Weight Loss, Awareness, Aging, Health, Challenges, Women Issues, Acceptance
Tags: honesty awareness acceptance aging weight loss maintenance Weight Loss health challenges fitness
Categories: Fitness, Weight Loss, Awareness, Aging, Health, Challenges, Women Issues, Acceptance
Tags: honesty awareness acceptance aging weight loss maintenance Weight Loss health challenges fitness
Great post Jody! I love, love, love your picture! You are one HOT lady and you look fantastic! I personally don't think you need anything, but I know we are our own worst critic.
I hate that hair on my face! I do get waxed regularly I wish I could afford laser treatments for that alone!
I also would like to do the cold laser on my belly, but it is what it is.
You've done great, and you've proven that hard work will get where you want to be.
Hugs!
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Thx Sheri! Ah, yes, wish I could afford laser treatments too!
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No question, staying in shape is the way to go. The older, the fewer I guess.
Glad you are fighting the good fight, Jody!
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Thx DR. J!
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How I can relate. I actually used to think I'd consider a facelift but the more I see the Housewives the less inclined I am to consider it. I'd like to grow old gracefully. There are so many wonderful women who have inspired me with their youthful attitudes toward aging, my mom especially. She is active, volunteers with three different organizations, has many friends and hobbies. She also stays in tune with current trends in all aspects of life. When I look at her I see someone ageless.
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Beautiful words about your mom!!!
I am not very good with the age gracefully thing.
I would really love to get some dermatology work done - no money though...
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You are fit not just "for a woman your age" but for ANY woman! Damn right you should be proud!
I see plenty of women in their 20s and 30s that couldn't keep up to you.
You are a fantastic example for your kids/g-kids, Jody.
As for the other stuff ...
For me it's the eyelids. The skin is drooping down and I barely have an upper lid anymore. I'll be getting work done on that when I can afford it. It makes me look so tired.
I also have a frown that seems to be genetic on my dad's side that I've remedied with botox every now and then. The surgeon I see is conservative with it and I always look nice and refreshed without looking frozen. I'll be getting some on Thursday.
I don't want to not look my age I just want to look more refreshed and not so tired. It's my fault that I look this way what with the smoking I did and all the yo-yo-ing in weight that I've done. Also, sun damage on my face especially the driver's side.
I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting a tweak here and there.
Have you started a little fund for yourself? Just tuck some money away every week and it'll add up eventually.
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Hi Fitcetera! Thx for visiting & commenting! You are so sweet - thank you!
You know, I cut off my face a lot when I don't have make-up & yes, I got those sagging eye lids too! Waterproof mascara does not work with me cause the eyelashes touch the sagging lids!
I have sun damage too - we grew up before all the info got out there unfortunately.
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Awesome Post! You look so good! You should be very proud of yourself and you are such a great example for your whole family. As for lids, sometimes they still get me ; )
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Sian - thx!!! Ah, the eyelids - sags here & I have that puff stuff under my eyes too - drinking water has not helped my face but I guess it could have been worse if I did not drink it!
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You are one strong women Jody, you deserve to be proud of your accomplishments! I look at young kids everyday in their teen,twenties and thirties and they are going to have very serious health issues when they get older, so I think it is great there are people like you out there ( and other posters on this site) setting an example so that some may catch the wave.
I have had varicose vein surgery, I just was way to young (40)to have the veins in my legs so bad I didn't want to wear shorts anymore. I am glad I did because now I love my legs again and even though they are not as thin as I would like them to be, they are strong and can take me on ten mile hikes and it is a breeze. Have a happy day and thanks for your post
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Dana, thx so much! YES for you being strong!
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I love this post. Telling it like it is wins hands down for me. I am 49 and starting to experience some of the same stuff you are going through. Why not share the truth about aging, does each woman have to be surprised and feel alone or strange when these normal things happen?
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Saretta, thx so much for commenting!!! Honestly, I never imagined this stuff when I was younger, especially being into fitness. AND the inside the bod stuff that happens - UGH! Might be TMI for a post!
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You inspire me. Sometimes I wig out a bit as I creep closer to 40, but knowing I'm in the best shape of my life at 37 makes me wish I'd figured it out years ago. I love seeing other women who keep fit and tell it like it is. It reminds me I can do it too.
Thanks
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Geosomin, 40's were great to me - embrace them & all you have done for yourself! Congrats!
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Ahhh. I just love you, Jody. Your body is amazing and your attitude is inspiring. I have noticed that this face-rug you speak of is beginning to grow on me, too. I also see spots on my face. Not simple, just spots. But eh, I'm looking forward to the continued happiness and more accomplishments that await me! woohoo!!!
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Josie - you have made so much amazing progress since I first started reading you. You should be one proud lady!
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If money was no object I would do all sorts of non-invasive laser things! And while I can relate to the thinning eyebrows, I also have been losing hair from my head a lot in the past years. Sigh. As the saying goes, "Aging sucks but it beats the alternative."
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Karen, I have gone thru stages of losing the hair since perimenopause started. I had bad months & better months. I still am losing some but not as bad as other times. Just hoping I don't lose more again... yes, better than the alternative!
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