In January I was intrigued that my Samsung Galaxy cellphone had a Walking App something like Fitbit. So on a whim I decided to activate the app then go forward with my Daily Steps Challenge.
Quickly I was hooked! Every day except for the Snow, ice, Sleet and Single Digits days not only did I complete my Step goals but many times greatly exceeding the 6000 step minimum.
Moving forward in life through exercise, writing, Photography and artwork.
Walking Music
I don’t usually Listen to music while I’m walking because I like to be aware of my surroundings and any photo opportunities. However just had to share this Oldie but Goodie.
Walking in Rhythm by The Blackbyrds
Eventually after tinkering with the Samsung Fitness App I discovered that I could share my daily Walking Goals.
Walking calms and centers me.
I’m extremely pleased with my walking accomplishments thus far and I hope to reach higher steps numbers in the months to come.
Wisdom. Understanding. My Truth. Freedom. Moving towards my 3rd Act ~ Age 60 but not yet there. What aging was for my mother’s and grandmother’s generations is a whole new ballgame for me and I’m a Free Agent enjoying the ride.
I’ve been thinking about how I see myself as opposed to how other see me. Slowly I’m freeing myself from the constraints of youth. Actually I’m happier and more pleased with myself that I ever was 30 or even 20 years ago. I’m not running behind or chasing some man. Nor am I desperate to be in a relationship. Even in the face of emotional pain and heartbreak I have the courage to step away from a relationship that I know will never work and is not meant to be. I ignore the preconceived notions of what a woman should be.Β Of course like every other human being on this earth I deal with insecurities, fears, obstacles, all human faults and fragilities.Β After all you gotta break some eggs to make an omelet.
Each decade brings its own crises and a new set of questions and self-knowledge at least for those who are honest. Β In my 20s was my wild and crazy time. My 30s a decade of challenge where lifeβs tables were turned as I lost both my parents within the space of three years. My 40s I became more self-aware as my intellectual and academic lives merged and soared higher than a spaceship reaching for an unknown planet. As the economy crashed and burned after 2006 my life also took an unexpected detour actually several unexpected and in some cases unpleasant detours. Turning 50 in 2009 brought new possibilities but new queries. Health challenges via high blood pressure and a mini-stroke, retina surgery, vision loss. Changing lifestyle in my quest towards well-being and dealing with my new menopausal body. Β My new friend Mr. Arthur Itis who decided to make his presence known in a powerful way earlier this year. Stilling fighting Arthur with exercise but to be honest sometimes Arthur wins!!Β Yet in my mind Iβm dancing. In my dreams Iβm still that idealistic eighteen year old young woman who was always ready for the next adventure in life! Nowadays my body does not always obey my minds commands but Iβm excited about my Third Act. After listening to Jane Fondaβs Ted Talk on new ways to view aging Iβm looking forward to turning Sixty!!
Comfort levels also change as one gets older. In some areas of life one gets not only older but bolder. In other areas there is some hesitation born out of experience and caution. I find it is never good to make split second decisions especially if Iβm angry or upset. Sleeping on it and allowing myself a good cry enables me to cleanse my system of sadness and worry. Letting my emotions out vents my soul then I can put things into perspective instead of committing self-sabotage. Also itβs okay to just stop. Stop. Put it to the side until Iβm in my right mind. Screw all the people who tell me to keep going. Everyone needs a break. Sometimes I just need to sit for a few hours, dayβs maybe even weeks and veg out.
Why be overwhelmed just to satisfy all the folks who want me to be strong, to be some fake, phony Super Woman who does not exist.Β Even Iβm guilty of looking at a girlfriendβs life and asking, βWhy does she stay in that situation? Why not just pick up and leave?βΒ But in their life as in mine there are always extenuating circumstances that I will neither know nor understand. Hidden motivations that keep them in place because it is not yet time for them to move on.
There are thousands if not millions of voices out there disguised as βLife Coachesβ and βMotivational Speakersβ who demand you take control of your life on their terms but only you can make that decision. Only you know when is the right time to move onto the next phase, stage or level.Β As the Bible says you cannot put new wine into old wineskins. The most important voice you need to listen to is your own.
Queen Tiye
Despite the fact that financially I’m struggling that struggle does not define me. I still pursue my writing and photography dreams though I may never “get paid.” Writing and photography are my heart and soul passions that are beyond material gain. There is no need to sacrifice who I am to meet the outlooks of society.Β Art is Life! Back in Feb. 2014 when I turned 55 my Theme Song was Iβm Still Here. Next year Iβm Bringing back Sexy because it never left. By Age 56 Feb. 2015, Iβm Taking it to the Next Phase!Β Third Act ~ Iβm on my way!!
Espiritu en Fuego/A Fiery Spirit 