A Look Back Before I Look Forward

If you could describe, in one word, what this past year has been for you, what one word would you use? I know, the year has been one of ups and downs, sunshine and rain, good times and bad. We can look at it as a glass half empty or one that is half full. But when you sum it up, what was it……………in one word?.

Mine would be rejuvenating. I looked it up and the definition is this: To return something to original condition: to restore something to its condition when new, or make it more vigorous, dynamic, and effective.

Okay, so it doesn’t fit perfectly. I will never be able to return to my original physical condition.( I like to think life started at 24 for me, it was a very good year!) But I don’t want to go back there, I like 58.

 At 58, I can return to my favorite mental age of three if I want to. If you have four grandkids under that age, it helps. And I love doing that, getting away with it and not caring what others think!  (If you are female and over the age of 50 you need to read “When I am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple”.) That book gives us permission to do anything we want!

That first part of the definition applies not to me, but to gramma’s old treadle sewing machine that my husband refinished for me this Christmas. It is beautiful and he put a removable writing top on it for me. Am typing on it right now and I have my feet resting on the treadle. I love it. Thank you Ed, best Christmas gift you ever gave me!

But the rest of the definition, I can relate to when I look back at 2010. I feel more vigorous (energetic, strong, exuberant and spirited) than I did 365 days ago. I feel more dynamic (self-motivated, vibrant, forceful and full of life). And the best thing is that I feel more effective (useful, helpful and valuable).

Years ago when I thought of myself at this age, I didn’t think I would feel any of those things. But on this last day of 2010, I am hoping the rejuvenation does not end. In fact, I have hopes it will continue not just through the new year but through the new decade.

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And I am hoping that all my family and friends have a great new year too.