Sweet Lemonade of Life
by Diane Gross
I
thought on my 50th birthday about how many major challenges and changes
I have experienced. Remembering my life’s inevitable dramas, I recalled
feeling like scrabbled eggs and that scared the heck out of me. I began
asking myself, Where am I going? How can I make my life more meaningful?
Hey, isn’t this is supposed to be the best time of my life?
I remember waking up one morning realizing my kids were almost all gone out on their own -- and that was also the day I refused to jump into that infamous “empty nest.” I think if I had crawled in there ... I would have set myself up for personal disaster. I knew I could either wallow in self-pity -- or I could kick myself in the butt!
I think the worst thing I hear so many people my age say is, “Life Sucks.” It infuriates me to see those “ I’d Rather Be... (doing something else)” bumper stickers. Just do it. Refuse the invitation to your own “pity party.” Most of us have spent our lives taking good care of our families. It’s not a sin to find something new and exciting to do and enjoy the ride without guilt -- you can even take him with you, ladies! After a lifetime of changes, are you the same person? I sure am not. But still, some of us look forward to slowing down and relaxing, and that’s terrific too.
I am sure you’ve heard that expression, “If Life Gives You Lemons -- Make Lemonade.” I don’t like lemonade too much, but those few words have sure helped me out. So just make lemonade and enjoy the ride! Don’t settle for less -- fight for your right to live your life with a great big smile on your face. Make choices that belong to you -- it really is a DO-IT-YOURSELF project. Living an emotionally healthy life now isn’t just thinking about it either. It’s jumping in with all you have to offer.
I read once that “we give up who we are to lovers, money, bosses, addictive substances, fame, dream homes, parents, children, doctors, lawyers, therapists, teachers, policemen, politicians, sports heroes, and even our spouses.” The list can go on and on. Can someone or something else be what you are all about? It’s wonderful to share your life with someone special, but be you ... and respect who he or she is. Life’s choices are an individual’s responsibility.
I remember a few years ago wondering at my age what it would feel like to do the biggest water slide I could find. I found one at Six Flags (well, okay, it wasn’t the biggest, but oh my!) called the Dragon’s Tongue or tail or something. I climbed to the top of this thing, surrounded by kid’s looking around me to see what fearful child I might be escorting up the unending steps. “It’s me okay? I’m gonna do it,” I shouted as they snickered.
Did I chicken out? Nope. But let me tell you, when I went airborne, I thought I was going to die until I hit that water at such speed that my two-piece bathing suit found places to tuck itself that I didn’t even think possible. Alas, I survived. The greatest part was exploding out of that water gasping for my first breath to find hundreds of kids applauding the “granny with guts.” Sure my heart was pounding and I actually was escorted out of the pool by two 5-year-olds as I struggled to seize my bathing suit parts from their hiding places. But what a hoot!
I began my list.
I called it “Things I Want To Do Before I Die.” I have had
that list now for over five years. Yes I have gotten to the list’s
end a few times, but I made the rule that at any time, no matter how close
to the end, I could add something new. The only time I am allowed to remove
anything from the list is when I have done it! Was the water slide a bigger
thing for me than buying and riding my 1999 Harley-Davidson, chrome and
black SportyGirl? It’s relative -- but it’s all such sweet
lemonade!
Writer
Diane Gross lives in Georgia.
Her email is 