Now that I've reached sixty plus -- or even when I reached fifty plus -- I am no longer asked what I want to be when I grow up. At fifty I was settled into a career and now that career has wound down and I'm doing exactly what I've wanted to do, writing, and for my own pleasure. I also don't get asked what superhero I'd like to be. That's a question for another time in the life cycle. But I do have a superhero I'd like to be very much.
I'd love to be Elastigirl, one of the heroes of "The Incredibles," a favorite movie. Helen Parr, aka Elastigirl is calm and capable, but above all, this very creaky sixty-three year would love to be as lithe and limber as Elastigirl. I've been thinking of her for the last few weeks, because I took up yoga a few weeks ago. This isn't the first time I've taken yoga classes, but it's the first time since my spinal surgery, and physical therapy. I joined my friend Betsy at the yoga studio she's been going to for chair yoga. I thought it would be doable and for the most part it is, but it's amazed me how many complicated poses can be constructed using one folding chair.
Despite a rocky first class and the near castastrophe of getting my leg caught in the chair -- I had a brief flash of calling the Fire Department to extricate me from the chair -- during the second class, I returned again this week and felt more comfortable. I doubt if I'll come close to Elastigirl, time and tide have guaranteed that, but I'm planning to stick with yoga. It's the closest I will get to being like my idol, at least for this sixty-three year old.
I had a very nice first day of spring. It was warm enough to be outside without gloves and I just wore my lighter winter jacket for errands and my walk. I had a productive 40 Bags day and shredded/discarded a big bag of paper. I also started the book shelves and brought some books to the library for their sale next week. It's time to be ruthless with my books. They're really starting to take over my apartment.
As always, thanks for visiting. Wishing all a bright and balmy first Friday of the spring.
16 comments
ENJOY your time with YOGA. It is supposed to be good for you.
I had to be ruthless with letting go of many of my books when we moved.... it was sad but for the best :) The yoga classes sound great!
You know, Buttercup..I just love your enthusasim (sp?) and willingness to try things..Blessings and smiles.
Ah! Those books! I simply cannot bring myself to part with any of these! I just keep adding bookshelves.:)
My body is long past the "Elastigirl stage." Many of those yoga positions would not be possible for me. I think 911 would have to be called just to get me up from the floor.:-)
You make yoga class sound so fun--except the part about the Fire Department. Our family is going on a cruise this summer for my daughters 40th birthday and I'm trying to get in a swimsuit body. I've always walked but I'm pushing myself and my pour mussels are rebelling. I had to soak in a HOT bath last night just to sleep. We are swimming too and that dosen't hurt my body--60's is good though. Good for you for cleaning and donating--it's a good thing.
Ann
Having just turned 58 I can so relate to wanting to be Elastigirl as I don't bend or stretch the way I use to either. I chucked a lot about your Yoga class ,especially the part about calling the Fire Dept. - Never tried Yoga. I do need to get more exercise though but I think I'll stick to walking.
So glad you had a nice 1st Day of Spring. It was lovely here too.
I can put my hands on the floor when I bend down, but I think that is because I am so close to the ground anyway! I should take up yoga. I saw an inspiring video of a man who is disabled who took up yoga and was running in a year or so. You've made me think I need to sign up for a class!
I like the idea of Elastigirl, and am glad you did not need the fire dept. to extricate you from the chair! I do exercises in a warm pool three times a week, for 15 years, so you can tell I like it. Lots of people post surgery or with aches and pains are in the pool.
Buttercup, Bendy twisty girl.:):) I used to belong to Curves. It was great to go everyday and work out for 1/2 hour. Now I just try to keep the house clean, the laundry done. I did just come in from raking around the yard a bit. The wind picked up...not good for raking. Boy I have a lot of yard work to do. Ted is rolling the lawn right now. I do not think it's thawed enough for that.Isn't it nice to not have to wear a big old winter coat? Blessings for a fun weekend. xoxo,Susie
Carol, I had to laugh out loud at the thought of some hunky fireman having to unwind you from the folding chair! I do a series of yoga poses every morning (given to me by a physical therapist) to keep my spine limber and my core strong. I was ruthless with my bookshelves when we were redecorating in the fall. However, there are still way too many books...
I have always been physically active - played 2 sets of singles tennis this morning - and I am finding the hardest part of being 65 is my slower body. I love being retired because I don't think I could keep up with my middle school kids any longer.
Be careful there, you gotta watch that yoga! We are going back to the cold over the next few days but today
and yesterday were great!
Enjoy.
M : )
Elastigirl is great, but I think being a writer is even better!
OK, I'm really trying not to giggle ... visualizing you requiring NYFD extradition. (Being a first-generation klutz, I laugh WITH others, not "at" them.)
Anyway! I've not familiar with Elastigirl, but envy your pursuit of yoga!
Hugs!
Myra
Kudos to you, taking these yoga classes. It is amazing how out bodies change, the older we get. Good luck with your yoga. Exercise is great. Happy weekend. Love Elastigirl....
I just turned 60 and I am still walking and trying to run! I have always wanted to try yoga. My friend Dr. T is a native of Japan and she can make me laugh about yoga. She was always complaining about the pain of it and they asked her not to come back! I imagine her parents were mortified! HaHaHa!
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