Fighting My Way to Fifty
I had a birthday last week. The first words out of my teenage son’s mouth were, “How does it feel being three years away from fifty?” Upon hearing this somber reminder, I held back from wrestling him to the ground as he is too tall and quick for me.
Three years to fifty. Something happens when a person is a couple of years away from the next decade - you realize that you are getting older. It reminds me of when I was a child standing on the doorstep of a party listening to voices and laughter from inside and knowing that I would soon be part of the celebration. However, I am not sure that I want to join this party quite yet.
When I was twenty-seven years old, I admitted with ease, “I am almost thirty,” as the next decade was ripe with the possibilities of motherhood and international adventure. A couple of gray hairs atop my head, I did the same as I approached forty.
Not this time though. This year I will enjoy being forty-seven for 365 days. Fifty is years away, three years to be exact.
No matter my age, some things never change – I still like to have fun. While my idea of what is fun has broadened over the decades, I continue to look for moments where I will be engaged in something purely delightful. Just as I did years ago, I would still consider it exhilarating to take a solo bus ride to London to view a taxidermy zebra on display in formaldehyde at a Sotheby’s pre-auction show. However, nowadays I also find it pleasurable to take a walk every Sunday morning with my daughter holding a coffee while sharing conversation.
A few years ago on the reality show “The Amazing Race,” two contestants wore plastic “Fun-o-meters” on their jackets during the race around the world. At various moments throughout the competition the duo would pause to evaluate how much fun they were having and then move their dial in that direction. Whether they encountered frustrating roadblocks or joyous successes, I noticed that these silly lapel pins served as a reminder to be on the lookout for enjoyment. As the competition progressed, this team actually looked like they were having the best time, probably because they were looking for it. Whether it be through an activity, experience, or human contact, the more I think I am having fun, the more fun I usually have.
This year, in my pursuit of having a good time, I have started to box in my basement. In many of the same ways that Peloton has transformed the world of stationary cycling through its virtual rides, Fight Camp caters to the home boxer through virtual workouts. This past Christmas I bought my son and I a punching bag, gloves, and a subscription to Fight Camp’s online boxing workouts. Eliciting the same exhilaration that I experienced years ago when I enrolled in adult gymnastics, home boxing offers the adrenaline rush and muscle burn without the joint pain of flipping and landing painfully on the ground. I have added Fight Camp as fun movement to my week by often incorporating short fifteen minute workouts some evenings before starting dinner. In case you were curious, yes, I have already practiced my fancy footwork to the tunes from the Rocky and Creed movies.
My son says punching a bag is fun at fifteen; I say it is fun at forty-seven.
I do not think I will fight turning fifty, but hopefully I will still be fighting (or jabbing and crossing) right through it. You are never too old to have fun.
Fun-O-Meter Suggestions:
Keep your eyes open and be on the lookout for moments that are enjoyable.
Expand your definition of what constitutes as fun, perhaps even lowering your expectations. The slowing down of this past year has taught me that ordinary moments at home can actually be fun.
Especially in the area of movement, there is nothing wrong with choosing what is fun over what you think will produce the best results yet dread doing. In most cases, if you actually like something then you are more prone to being consistent, which will lead to better results.
If you are trying something new, don’t fear making a fool out of yourself at the beginning. You should actually get bonus points for your bravery.
When you are having a good time and someone is around to hear it, express it. If no one is with you, whisper it in your soul or shout it out loud. It is important to take time to pause and reflect.
My basement home gym complete with the “Mona Lisa.”