"In my opinion..."
Jan. 26, 2003
53 & Prime
Yesterday I turned 53. Not normally considered an anniversary age, I know, but for me that birthday signified a true milestone. I not only gained a year, I gained my life back, because I became a lifetime member of Weight Watchers® just two days earlier.
I know that the hardest job is still ahead of me, keeping the weight off, but I may actually have an advantage since it has taken me more than two years to lose 126 pounds. I am not cured of the curse of eating problems, but I am well-equipped to handle the periodic lapse and still maintain my balance. I've learned more than how to handle food; I've learned how to handle the emotions surrounding eating, and that's the key to long-term success.
My life seems a lot more fun these days, basically because of my good health. I look forward to retirement not because I need to rest but because I want more time to play! Weekends just aren't long enough. Right now I have big trips planned for every break in the next few months: biking in Victoria, BC, Canada with the Boeing Bicycle Club; flying to Palm Springs for a fast, fun weekend with one of my best friends; and jetting to Barcelona, Spain for a whirlwind vacation with dear friends. I don't plan to waste time lazing around when I can hike for hours through the new and old parts of one of Europe's most exciting cities, soaking in the culture and admiring the old and new architecture. Perhaps all the activity will help keep any pounds from creeping back on when I sample the exquisite foods of Catalonia.
My success must be shared with my family and friends because they have all given me so much strength. They've helped me learn to like myself. That may sound like a bad self-help cliché, but it's part of the reason why I feel confident about my future. I am content with who I am and with my life. Here's to the next 53 years.