I’m thankful to have reached age 61 (last month). I’ve known quite a few people in my lifetime who never made it this far – my Mom being one of them.

Other than some bodily aches and pains, I don’t mentally feel 61 years old.

My mind still thinks I’m 17 or so – until I try to do 17 year old things and my body tells me otherwise!

A Couple Weeks Ago…

At a routine doctor’s appointment, I mentioned my left knee was giving me more back-talk than usual.

After some poking and prodding, the doctor concluded that I have arthritis under the knee-cap.

We talked about ways to help with the pain and I went on my merry way.

A Brutal Revelation…

The thought of arthritis setting in made me contemplate the next phase of life.

I also pondered the notion that I’ve lived more years than what I have remaining.

This bitter-sweet fact of life hit me like a lead balloon and I (briefly) hyper fixated on it.

Knowing of no way to escape it, I calculated my options. I could:

1. Accept it and move on. Or,
2. Wallow in it and stagnate.

The Fountain Of Youth…

Back in early 2017, I went to the Fountain of Youth in St Augustine, Florida, with Nikki and Misael.

The Fountain of Youth staff gave a 3 ounce paper cup to each person to collect the magical water flowing from the Fountain Of Youth.

I filled my cup to the top and drank my brew of youthfulness as if downing a shot at a bar.

The water tasted absolutely nasty.

The Staff and crowd of on-lookers waiting in line for their chance at the magical potion watched as I hastily drank my elixir.

The putrid tasting water made it impossible to gulp the entire cup of water in one fell-swoop and swallow it gracefully with a non-contorted face.

At least I made people chuckle.

Now, years later, I’m thinking the whole Fountain of Youth legend is a scam😅

Parting Thoughts…

I’ve learned some things after 61 years on planet Earth…

• There are many phases and chapters in life. There’s no escaping them.
• Each phase requires you to re-evaluate and make necessary changes – whether it’s a change in your mind-set, daily habits, or another area.

Granted, my visit from Arthur Itis is not major but it made me think and realize I have more years behind me than what lies ahead. Thinking can be a tricky adventure for an overthinker to navigate!

My days of endless self-pity ceased long ago. Anything more than a brief wallowing session is not an option.

It’s time to find a way to accept this newly realized fact of life, move forward, and continue living life to the fullest!

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