I have been preaching to my daughter that women would be so much happier if we would focus not on what our bodies look like, but on what they can DO. This is me not just talking the talk.
Dear Body,
We've been together now for 50 years (this is the same principle as being pregnant for 10 months---that's always made me a little crazy). I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you.
Thank you for being generally healthy. Since my concussion in third grade, I've only been hospitalized to birth babies. I shouldn't take that for granted as much as I do. I promise to be appreciative if you keep it up.
Speaking of babies, I owe a shoutout to my generous hips. I'm sure you are a big reason why I could pop out a baby and be out grocery shopping 24 hours later. When women exchange pregnancy stories, my standard line is, "I am one of those women who could have squatted in the field, had the baby, and then finished picking the row."
Hands, you deserve recognition for all you have done and continue to do. Honestly, it's been non-stop work for you over the years--from steering the handlebars of a bicycle to finessing a field hockey stick to changing diapers to the washing of more dishes and laundry than I care to even remember. And the blogging! Thanks for all the typing, fingers!
Legs, you have carried me hither and yon without fail since I was 11 months old. Just recently, you (with A LOT of help from my glutes) made me one of the few people to make it to the top of a rather steep hill on a hike. Younger legs than you turned back. Thanks for letting me know that you're with me when it comes to putting mind over matter and getting the job done.
To my bosom.* Yes, bosom, because when you're as soft and pillowy as you are, that's the right word. You have provided a soft and welcoming place for many a head to rest upon and it always seems to be appreciated. Not to mention the nursing. Easy-peasy with you on my side!
Epidermis, I owe you big-time. From my early days spending every day on the beach as a toddler, to my high school days on the tennis court and hockey field, to the days and weeks and months I spent on the deck of a pool while raising my kids, you have taken rare abuse. Even with sunscreen (which wasn't even invented when I was a kid), you have put up with a lot. I shouldn't be complaining about wrinkles when I'm lucky not to have melanoma.
I know I'm leaving some parts of you out, but you get the picture, right?
I don't know if necessarily want to spend the next 49 years with you, but 40 more would be about right.
Happy Birthday.
*Related. This video. Which. Is. Hysterical.
What a great post! You are so right. We should focus more on what our bodies can still do. You look great in the picture!
Posted by: Jen | March 28, 2013 at 11:34 AM
Great post, and yes, it is so easy to take our bodies and health for granted!
You look amazing. And, honestly, no foundation garments are needed. You look just perfect the way you are.
Posted by: Susan Walker | March 28, 2013 at 11:53 AM
happy birthday and I love that top! Where did you get it?
Posted by: Janet | March 28, 2013 at 12:13 PM
happy birthday wonderful you!
Posted by: magpie | March 28, 2013 at 01:16 PM
What a great post! You look marvelous! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Smalltown Me | March 28, 2013 at 03:37 PM
YES!!!
Happy birthday. :-)
Posted by: Jen on the Edge | March 28, 2013 at 04:24 PM
That is a great post. And you look absolutely fabulous!
Posted by: Cassi | March 28, 2013 at 05:17 PM
I think you look fantastic - happy and healthy! Also, happy birthday!
Posted by: lanes | March 28, 2013 at 05:26 PM
Happy Birthday! Love the post. I also have tended to take my body for granted. It took a broken elbow complete with an osteoporosis diagnosis and a much slower than I would have wished rehab (had to learn patience) to realize that although I haven't treated my body badly there is still room for improvement.
Posted by: Deb D | March 28, 2013 at 07:32 PM
How about the pretty face?!!! Happy 49th! I'll be joining you in a month and a half!
Posted by: The Zadge | March 28, 2013 at 09:44 PM
Awesome post!!! I agree, there is much to be thankful for with our bodies....the get us around daily! YOU look awesome. Your outside matches your inside; positive and joyful!
Happy birthday!!!
XO
Posted by: Busy Bee Suz | March 28, 2013 at 10:16 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Mrs. G. | March 28, 2013 at 10:39 PM
Happy birthday, sweet, caring and wonderful you. Can I add something to your list? If so, I would say that your smile is so genuine and beautiful. I would love to see one like it in a meeting, carpool, family dinner and so on. Cheers to the next 40-49 (and more) years!
Posted by: Denise | March 29, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Looking great and here's to many more years of doing great!
Posted by: BrightsideSusan | March 29, 2013 at 01:43 AM
happy birthday :)
and like the video says, we are biologically programmed :)
Posted by: gary rith | March 29, 2013 at 08:45 AM
I adore this tribute to all the parts that have made your life GOOD.
And that movie was hilarious!
Happy Birthday to a woman defined by her brains, beauty, ability and heart.
Posted by: Green Girl in Wisconsin | March 29, 2013 at 08:56 AM
LOVE this post and your attitude! Happy Birthday!!
Posted by: Karen (formerly kcinnova) | March 29, 2013 at 11:03 AM
Excellent! I hope you keep this great aging attitude up, and then post again in about 30 years. I'll check back.
Posted by: Jason | April 01, 2013 at 11:21 PM
Happy Birthday! You look maaaaahrvelous!
Posted by: Claudia from Idiot's Kitchen | April 02, 2013 at 09:56 AM
Check and steam clean all cracks in walls and repair. Sometimes, they've just been hiding in the walls of your house or apartment building just waiting for you to move in. Therefore, it must be used very carefully, in that caution be taken so that it does not enter the mouth, eyes or food.
Posted by: Phillipp | September 12, 2013 at 05:26 PM