It was different then

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

bdifferent

Life changes you, whether you want it to or not. It’s a good thing, though — life changes you for the better. A few more wrinkles but a whole lot more wisdom. A bigger stomach but a bigger capacity to love and laugh. When we’re open to it, change is a good thing.

Or as Deena wrote in “Let Your Mind Run” (Amazon Affiliate link, read my review here):

The flexible tree puts down strong roots — Deena Kastor

Fairytales and Fitness

Aging gracefully is about being flexible, being open, allowing change, enjoying change and loving yourself. — Wendy Whelan

These were the largest jeans I ever wore — but now maintaining my weight is about being healthy, not looking cute

“Dieting”
When I was young, it was definitely dieting — can we say Slimfast? 2 tiny bars and then a regular dinner? Did it work? It depends on your definition of working — yeah, I lost the weight I needed to to fit into my sister’s wedding dress, but it didn’t stay off long.

Even my first go round with Weight Watchers (or WW as it’s now known) — I was determined, and I became a lifetime member the first time round — not many people do that. Again, though, I did it in a way that wasn’t sustainable.

The problem back then was that it was all about looking good, and not so much about feeling good. That’s changed. That’s why this time I’ve managed to keep the weight off (which isn’t to say I never struggle with it — it’s still hard).

Enjoying the process

Knitting
When I moved to some place where I knew no one for my first job after college, I taught myself to knit and crochet (with help from some coworkers). Back then it was all about finishing. I wanted to get it done, to see how it would turn out. Yes, I enjoyed the process, but it was all about the end result, not so much about the journey.

I was hot and heavy with knitting for a long time, but it kind of petered out when I lived in TX. Oh, I’d pick up my needles now and again, I joined a knitting club at one point, but it was a hobby I’d put away for a long time.

Then some people in my running group decided they wanted to learn to knit. I figured I’d do something simple, but that got me looking through my yarn, looking at patterns . . . knitting . . . and remembering how much I loved it.

The funny thing is, it’s much more about the journey than the end result now. I don’t really need much in the way of hats or scarves or afghans, but I still enjoy simply sitting and knitting. Of course I want to enjoy the finished project, but now it’s much more about the meditative quality of knitting rather than the finished project. Plus I’ve discovered listening to audiobooks while I knit!

It’s different now
Goals, hobbies, jobs . . . they’re always changing. They should be always changing. We should be always changing. That’s what makes life exciting. And scary.

Learning to enjoy the journey, rather than the end result — that’s what ultimately makes us happy.

What has changed for you as you’ve grown older?

What change are you scared to make?

Are you able to enjoy the journey?

Enjoying the journey should always be the goal. The payoff at the end of the journey is short lived, but that journey to get there is long — enjoying the journey will keep you going. — Chocolaterunsjudy

 

38 thoughts on “It was different then”

  1. I’ve enjoyed becoming invisible as I’ve got older, and getting away from most of the horrible cat calling and stuff shouted, grabs etc. (helps I don’t go to bars and clubs any more). I don’t worry about what I look like so much and have recently adopted wearing a dress AND lipstick, shockingly! Running has given me a lot of confidence, as has officiating. I am definitely more at ease with myself and more comfortable in my skin. Oh, and I’ve managed to shift a long-standing terrible phobia and a mental health issue just this last year, which just shows you can change any time.

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    1. Running is definitely a huge confidence builder.

      I’ve never been grabbed, thankfully, but then neither do I go clubbing. 🙂 No cat calls really either. Just strange men trying to follow me on IG!

      I totally agree you can change at ANY time in your life, but so often people get really stuck as they get older. 😦

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  2. I think I am enjoying the journey so much I don’t bother with goals. 😉 I definitely am more comfortable in my skin AND more confident. I never had the SlimFast bars, just the shakes, and always was starving!

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    1. I can be super determined on some things, and I was determined to fit into my sister’s dress, just because I couldn’t see buying one — but i had to lose weight to do so!

      Now I enjoy smoothies, but usually I prefer to chew my food, hence the bars, not shakes.

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  3. Sadly, by Instagram standards, it seems like there are still plenty of people out there very focused on their looks. I’d much rather appreciate what my body can do. I love the journey of running. I let go of the outcome aspect years ago. Although those miles past 15 or so aren’t what I’d call enjoyable. 😛

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    1. I was actually quite surprised by how soon my body would ache when I did those few longer runs! But equally as surprised that I could get through them without taping.

      I might always tape for longer races, since I’m pushing harder, but unless something is bothering, I don’t tape for training runs. So far. Knock on wood.

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  4. Great reminder to enjoy the journey, Judy! Loved it!!! I can’t believe that you wore those jeans at one time. I bet you feel so much better now.

    When my youngest son graduated from high school, I was at loose ends. I didn’t know what to do with all my free time. I already ran (about 10 miles/week), so I decided to increase my mileage and try racing. At the same time, I decided to take up knitting again. The running stuck; the knitting didn’t. Both my mom and sister were accomplished knitters, but my projects always wound up looking like a tangled up mess! Yours looks beautiful! Oh, well. At least the running worked out!

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  6. Totally agree with you. My priorities with a lot of things have changed over the years. In regards to dieting, I used to be all about a quick fix (protein bars or like you mentioned SlimFast). Now I’m all about adapting something that I can use as my lifestyle. It’s about being healthy and fit, not trying to fit into a certain size of skinny jeans.

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  8. I definitely agree that I’m much more focused on the process and the journey now than when I was younger. I used to be really type A and only worried about the results but I enjoy things much more now that I’m slowing down 🙂

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  10. Lots of changes as I’ve aged (marriages, jobs, homes, kids, pets, etc)

    The big one is the decision to enjoy life – as we age, the life gets shorter (and the end can be near or not near…no one knows.)
    So I rarely say no when a friend asks me to go out and do something (even if I’d rather stay home or something I may not enjoy – golf?).
    I’m a firm believer in the “rest when you’re dead” philosophy.”

    Running a marathon is definitely a big change. I plan to enjoy the journey. Of course that may mean with my crazy life, I don’t train as hard as a coach may recommend. Running is important but it’s not everything.

    I agree with Marcia, there’s still with FB and IG more looking “good” pix (Guilty as charged thanks to Skirt Sports) than feeling good pix.

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      1. Perhaps but who can afford a coach?

        There’s different kinds of rest. It is actually restful to go out for a glass of wine with a friend or go to a movie. What would be dangerous is running or working out every single day.

        So rather than rest, I should say be active, do different things with your life not be sedentary or get n a rut. There will be a time when you can’t go out and do crazy things.

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      2. I’m not really a crazy thing kind of girl. And I believe by taking the recovery I need, I’ll be able to do what I want for longer than if I didn’t rest. At least it makes me feel good to believe so. 🙂

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      3. True. And we know everyone has different recovery needs. Everyone’s legs can handle different numbers of miles. As long as we are not hurting, life is good.

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  11. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten much more comfortable in my own skin. My passions have changed over the years to be much more fitness focused too.

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  12. Ah, Slim Fast, I remember those days although I was more of shake gal instead of bars. Back then I also had opinions on what was appropriate for older women and my goal was to never be one of “them,” an older woman who dressed too young or behaved immaturely.

    Now I don’t give a fudge what anyone thinks of me doing runDisney races in tutus and Minnie ears and I’m proud of being one of “them.” 😉

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  13. Totally agree with you re: looking v. feeling good. It’s why I find it somewhat easier to keep the better habits. Plus it extends to listening to my body and how it feels when I run on crap.
    I’ll still do the occasional slimfast shake, though I prefer the Kellog’s flavors. It has a role, but it’s one tool not a full diet. While I just count calories now, the core took I use is the old WW points program ca. 2009.

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    1. I actually use My Fitness Pal now, because I like to know the macros. I would like to get to a place where I didn’t have to track at all, but I still can’t seem to get to that place, and if I never do, I’m ok with that too.

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  14. For the most part, I”m enjoying the aging journey. I feel good, I’m able to still run and workout. I won’t lie though, I don’t like what I see in the mirror. I’m fighting the menopot and sagging skin. I’m working on acceptance. It’s a work in progress.

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    1. The menopot isn’t a whole lot of fun, but I definitely don’t even see that on you! I do wish I’d gotten my mom’s facial structure rather than my dad’s, which lends itself to jowls.

      Can’t change that though, so I work on acceptance too. 🙂

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  15. oh, this reminds me how much I miss knitting! I recently made an afghan for a friend’s new grandson, and there have been a few oddball scarves, wrist warmers and hats as well…but it’s been a few years since I’ve made a complete sweater. I’m snowed in for the next couple days…maybe this would be a great time to dig in my yarn stash 😉

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    1. We definitely got a ton of snow today, but the roads should be fine tomorrow. Except SUPER cold! Windy & a high of maybe 4 . . . not much knitting today, though, I had a ton of stuff to get done around the house.

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  16. What has changed for you as you’ve grown older? I have become less sensitive & like myself more.

    What change are you scared to make? Quitting my job. I want to retire early but the ACA makes that scary. $1,300 a month is a high expense.

    Are you able to enjoy the journey? It’s been interesting, but scary as the changes in the world are not always good. But I have faith & hope so it will be okay.

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