a glorious freedom

one of my favorite holiday gifts is the book "a glorious freedom: older women living extraordinary lives" by lisa congdon.  i immediately read it cover to cover.

because, of all years, i love this one. being 44 feels like coming home in the best sense of the word and from the inside out.

i am drawn to those who take action when it would be easier to complain, who are honest and yet positive, people who are willing to try new things; let life break them open instead of apart.

sure, my hair has some platinum by nature streaks and laugh lines crinkle around my eyes--but they're from laughing; why would i want to cover them up?!

i'm proud of the work of discerning spaces between mystery and intention; the power that comes with letting go of what we can't control and going for it where we can.

my body is happy to be swimming again. my spirit is grateful i gave church a second chance. my soul loved learning in foster parent classes even though i don't know what's next.

i get to create warm and friendly experiences with seasonal shifts at a local winery, making people smile so their laugh lines can grow to crinkle up around their eyes, too.

i love all of my kids, from school students to neighbors and everyone in between.  i was challenged to receive in new ways when beloved friends held a "just because" shower for me.  i tried a dating site even though they're not my style. the first "gather.nourish.make" art retreat brought creativity and connection in our community.

and, as we come upon another year, i've enjoyed charting the lives of others and giving thanks for those who: got jobs, beat cancer, persevered in transitions, cared well for their parents and children, traveled, had healthy babies, published books (word babies), and celebrated milestone birthdays and anniversaries. i am proud of you!

let it be said that i am equally proud of those who lost jobs, had to move when it wasn't their idea, lived well with chronic pain, healed from the unexpected, and faced disappointments big and small. because winning is easy, but when life is rough real character has a chance to shine.

as we grow, what are you most proud  of?  who inspires you to want to become even more wonderfully radical with age no matter what life brings your way?