I thought 39 was the new 29???

In 2003, my lifestyle fell victim to circumstances beyond my control. An unexpected unemployment forced me to take a job in Boston. Suddenly, the time that I committed to indulging in the extra curricular activities I loved, was being consumed by a two hour commute. Arriving home from work, I found myself to be exhausted. Chores like cooking dinner, making my lunch, and preparing my outfit for the next day were keeping me busy until atleast 7:30pm. I quickly became complacent and lost all my ambition to do anything more than absolutely necessary. I missed the energy and vitality of my twenties that propelled me towards such hobbies as drum corp and tap dancing lessons.

I am now 39. Changes to my phyical health started happening about 5 years ago. It began with an aching knee. Then the stiffness started. It culminated into mysterious injuries to my neck/back and pelvis that required physical therapy. I've trained myself to develop an acute consciousness of how my body naturally moves. Through this awareness I reformed myself of some very bad habits. I stopped slouching. I modified my position while gardening. I stopped reaching into the back seat of my car while buckled into the driver's seat.

The next phase of my reformation was to figure out how to incorporate exercise back into my routine. That problem was solved when I moved within a couple of miles from the commuter rail station. When weather permits I walk to the train station instead of driving my car. I am also very fortunate to work in the "upscale" neighborhood know as Back Bay. I'll use my lunch to walk down the notoriously swanky Newbury St. or trek to the beautiful Public Gardens which is a mere 10 minutes away on foot. I'll even chose to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Wednesday morning I arrived to work and my back was killing me. I see a backpack with wheels in my near future. Although, it could've been the air conditioning on the train. I was freezing! But I digress...so I was feeling cranky and decided to do some stretches. I highly recommend incorporating a stretching routine into your life. Stretching is a wonderful way to bring your body into alignment. I think it is important to meditate while stretching as it clears my mind which helps my body release the tension. After about 10 minutes I felt completely rejuvenated and I was in a much better mood.

I hope sharing my story helps those of you like myself who are trying to cope with the harsh reality of not feeling as young as we used to. :)