On Turning 55

This one's a strange one. In a few days, I turn 55. Big deal? Not really. I have never seen "milestone birthdays" (21, 30, 40) as anything but another year gone by, more opportunities passed, another notch in my belt, and more gray hair. And a little bigger bald spot. Is this one different? Let's use the "am-I-doing-anything-different-at-55-than-I-did-at-25" test as a guide (in no particular order):

FITNESS AND HEALTH - this one's easy. Or maybe not. At 25, I was out of school a few years and, as I recall, wasn't really doing any running at all. I was, however, still in pretty good shape. My shoulders hadn't yet fallen to my waist and I was probably about 5 lbs lighter than I am now. I don't have a clue about my BP, cholesterol, tri-glycerides, or any other metrics from where I was at 25 but since today all that seems within the normal range, I'll call it a toss-up. I do find stupid things hurting today that I don't remember at 25 - Achilles in the morning, knees sometimes after a hard workout...OK, 25 wins but only by a hair.

LIFESTYLE - easy. Retired now, living a great life, enjoying my wife and kids more than I could imagine. At 25, I was working my tail off, trying to figure out the meaning of (corporate) life. Today, without question.

SENSE OF PURPOSE - another close one. At 25, my purpose was almost singular - take care of the (soon to be) family, which included making a living, planning for the future, and everything that goes with it. Today, I can afford to be altruistic, allowing a bit more social consciousness to creep into my thoughts (did I say that?). That being said, I continue to worry about the long term fate of the family. I guess that will never stop bit it is a Bo easier with greater financial security. Winner? Today.

I could go on and on but won't. In the final analysis, there really isn't anything I can do about aging and truthfully, don't want to. I enjoy life as it is. I do the things I want to do. I love Deb and the kids more than ever. Those around me (Mom, Jon, Elyse) seem to be successful and happy. What more could I ask for at 55?

Winner, winner, chicken dinner...55 wins!

Gotta go now...Deb and I are going to work out...

AND I'M RUNNING AGAIN!!!