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I have chosen not to suffer into aging. I had no idea that is what I was probably doing.
My work is youthful, old people don’t do what I do and so my identity as well as health (all women in my family live fairly long but have heart issues) my Dad passed away from Parkinson’s, my husbands Dad and both Grandpas died of disease… but they did not live their healthiest best lives mentally or physically. I have insight!
I can choose to not suffer mentally about aging.
I can look for the role models who are living awesome aging lives. Yes they get pain, but they don’t suffer chronically from it.
Although not a runner, there is a 102 year old marathon runner who inspires me, a female marathon runner who didn’t start until she was 70 (now into her 90’s), a friend who now walks distances and eats healthy because she witnessed my own health transform through exercise and diet.. she now walks 5k’s weekly (and has for years, is 65 and as healthy as a 20 year old.
I am in chronic pain yet I am choosing my health. I put myself first and do the work, did therapy (and will do it again if I need to), exercise even in chronic pain, I have learned so many wonderful interpersonal skills. I chose to not be the victim, and broke free of that mentality.
There are days it creeps back in, but that doesn’t last long. Instead of dreading and fearing the journey of humanity I have chosen to embrace it.