For those of us middle-aged, read on.

[HermitGirl]

I turned 51 in January. Here are some things that I've learned.

1. Turn off the TV. Don't pay attention to what is deemed beautiful on TV. It's unreal and unobtainable.

2. Laugh at yourself.

3. Try not to stress the changes that you see and feel. They're natural and right. The medical community (and I'm part of that) and the media makes it seem that being an aging woman is a disease. It's not. Accept what's going on and it becomes easier. It's not always pleasant, but it becomes less aggravating.

4. Keep trying new things. I did my first triathlon at 46. I got my first tattoo at 51. They don't have to be momentous things, just something new. Visit a new place, try a new hairdo, read a different genre of book, etc.

5. Did I say laugh at yourself? I meant it.

What I love most about being middle aged is that the pressure is off. I don't have to compete with the 20-somethings or even the 30-somethings. It's very freeing. I can be myself without expectations.

Sweeeet ! Just what I needed to read. I will try laughing more, for starters. lol.... ha ! I so agree with the self image warping in contrast to medical commentary everywhere, and to media. I try to turn away from both, but that can be an isolating thing too, so it helps to talk with others about that. As for trying new things, very interesting... it *has* been some time for me. I'll think that over. In one sense, going back into >>> bicycling, is a biggy, though not new, it feels like it now that I'm 15 years older!