Until I entered my 40’s, I had 20/20 vision and shared my clothing with my young adult daughter. I line danced at a local country dance club, Desperado’s, until 2:00 a.m. and went to Pappy’s for $1.99 breakfast– then went to work on less than four hours of sleep.
I suppose due to my late bloomer genetics, my abdomen was in decent shape, allowing me to get away with a two piece bathing suit. I could eat anything I wanted. I benefited from the oasis of youth.
Then I was over 50 and I guess I crossed into the menopause desert. The oasis began drying up– or getting farther away. A month before my 50th birthday, I received my AARP card. I was wearing multi-level glasses. The muffin tops were rising, and I was more interested in watching Dateline on the weekends than dancing through the night. Hot flashes interrupted my routines both day and night. My digestive tract became pickier and pickier, weaning bread and dairy from my diet. A friend encouraged me to start a probiotic. The first thing I thought of was The Bionic Man. Again, who under the age of 50 remembers that show?
After a quick Google search (see? I’m hip), I’d found a UK author and blogger, Carol Wyer, who promotes “Facing 50 with humour and encouraging others to age disgracefully.”
I’ve always been a believer of keeping humor in all phases of my life– high or low. This new phase in my life required that more than ever! I’m all for aging disgracefully. Amen, Carol!
As I drove to the health food store for the probiotics, I took inventory of my aging journey. Clothes I’d worn in the 70’s and 80’s were making a comeback with the younger generation. But I refuse to throw away my patchouli, bell bottoms or peace signs. At age 49, I took up belly dancing. My husband and I continue to scuba dive with the youngsters. And I won’t put my bikini away. Of course I had to remind myself of the errand at hand… where was I going? Focus! (Another menopause symptom?)
I found the supplement clerk and she immediately pointed at several bottles and rattled off how many billion cultures and probiotic strains were on the shelf of the refrigerated cabinet. Finally, she reached and presented me with the one she insisted would be perfect for me. Garden of Life Raw Probiotics for Women 50 & Wiser.
50 & Wiser? I chuckled all the way to the check-out. I’ll bet Carol would have too!
So, don’t despair, fellow 50 and wisers… I remembered another website’s quote during my original Google search: “As you walk through the desert of life, may you always find your oasis — a place where you can find safety and sustenance.”
Ooh you said a mouthful there, sister! So, do the probiotics work? Don’t know about you, but I love being 50 and wiser… That time when you can be who YOU want to be and not everyone else’s idea of who you should be – infinitely more productive and enjoyable 🙂
My dad says a woman over 40 is even more of a dynamite force and he always stands in awe of our way of bonding. Thanks, Shari!
I’ve been a fan of Carol Wyer for a long time! Too funny…also very accurate! YES…on probiotics because they do work and things just magically change in your 50’s. It’s an adjustment to be sure. In terms of the wisdom…I wish all people over 50 acquires such a thing, but I’m finding it not to be true all the time 🙂 But that’s a matter of expectations, I think. In other words, just because a woman/man has reached the age of 50, joined AARP don’t assume that they are wise:)
Totally agree! I was just amused at whoever is in the ‘let’s name this supplement’ department’s smoozing to me… IF I wasn’t wise enough to see the smooze!
Great post and thank you so much for mentioning me. Yep. wiser…I’m pretty certain I’ll never reach that stage as for raw probiotics, I might give them a go. Do they go well with champagne?
couldn’t help but to think of you during this shopping adventure! My tummy has become very sensitive and champagne doesn’t seem to object! Just the bread and milk. And to think my genetics are from English/Irish lines! Apparently, a dear friend of mine is another fan of yours! Rocking it in the US my friend!
Hey two fans! You could form a fan club 🙂
Guinness and champagne should work well for you with that lineage.
Thanks again. x
You, my dear, are just a youngster! And by the by, I also know Carol and, yes, she is hilarious! If you think 50 is getting up there, wait until you close in on 70! Never a dull moment!
I still say kudos to the department of the supplement company who comes up with the ‘names.’ So good to see you at Pubsmart!
The great thing about life after menopause is we can finally shed all our insecurities, rise up, take back our crowns, and be the women we were intended to be all along. At 61, I feel like I’m just about to burst through the door, probiotics (and yes I’ve been taking them for a long time) and all! Cute story, Kate.
Yes…. at least I got to 50+….. good to see you a few weeks ago…..