Aged like a fine wine

My poor sister. She celebrated her birthday yesterday and got the first realization that not only is she getting older by years, but her body is beginning to react to it.

Throughout her 20s she could eat and drink whatever, and however much she wanted. Lately, however, she has noticed that she has a little pooch where a very flat stomach used to be.

I couldn't help but grin as I remembered when I had that first moment. The initial feeling is a sinking realization that you really are getting older. Then it hits you that now you have to pay more attention to how you take care of your body - too many nights in a row of gluttony effects you like it never did before. Days laying out soaking up the sun will require doctor's visits to avoid more disastrous consequences. Playing your favorite sports might mean being sore the next day in places you never knew existed.

It's easy to get caught up in all the effects of getting old. You do that long enough and you are really going to feel old, not to mention the wrinkles you will accumulate with all the frowning!

Naturally, my first thought was, "Oh I wish I were 25 again."

But then I thought back to where I was at 25. Yes, maybe I could go out drinking with abandon, but I was financially unstable, still a little unsure of who I was and not 100% sure where I really wanted my life to go.

In my 30s I feel more confident of myself. I have been through the trials of good and bad relationships and know what is worth fighting for and what is worth compromising on in my marriage.

I am financially able to go on that last minute outing or weekend trip with friends without having to worry that when I got back I might have to borrow money for rent.

I might not have the tight butt and the wrinkle free face of my early 20s, but I have the years of great memories, good friends, and more control over how to get what I want out of life.

When I hit my next age milestone I will probably look back on my life today and wish I was here again. But then I will also be able to look back over the years and see all the great things I have accumulated with those add years.

Try as we may we can't stop time. May as well enjoy where and who you are today.

And keep challenging yourself and growing - then you'll be even better and more special then you are today.