Celebrate Your Age!

by Angie Miller

Growing Older is a Privilege Not Everyone Gets to Experience... Isn't it time we celebrated our age? 

Last year I celebrated a landmark birthday. I turned fifty. That's right, the big 5-0, the one where you're given black balloons and you're supposed to start counting down your days. Fast forward another year, and as of December 1st I am now officially "in my fifties." In the health and wellness profession, where shape and size matter and wrinkles are not welcome, staying "relevant" and convincing a society of fitness seekers that age is an opportunity (not a set back) can be a challenge. Yet here I am, in my fifties, feeling better and more confident than ever before. The truth is, if the calendar didn't remind me that I was fifty I wouldn't believe it myself. While my face might show signs of aging, and admittedly that sometimes feels like a betrayal to a body that feels stronger than ever, I know that those signs merely demonstrate that I have seen my way through tragedy and loss, smiled my way through moments of joy, and created a story I am proud of, (minus a few chapters here and there). 

All that said, even as I'm writing this I don’t know if I'm ready to be so bold about my age, (I kind of prefer to hide it actually), after all, society puts a lot of pressure on women to stay vibrant and young and age comes with a lot of stereotypes. But I've decided that I can't cower when I have the opportunity to be courageous, and in actuality, fifty did me a favor. It encouraged me to look ahead and seek answers to some pivotal questions. I proposed these questions in my blog last year with the intention of motivating me (and you) to discover what we need to let go of and what we have yet to accomplish. If our years are limited, and no matter what our age they always have potential to be, then isn't it worth it to go on a fact finding mission that results in a life led to our greatest potential? For me, turning fifty inspired a moment of clarity that the years ahead are (more than likely) not numerically equivalent to the years that have already passed. While some may find that depressing, I find it empowering. It’s all about perspective, and age can be a great motivator. Sometimes we need that wake up call. The courage to ask questions that have potential to impact our lives in ways we never imagined. There are so many questions we could ask, but here are a few I came up with: While I am still in the process of discovering the answers to these questions, I couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead. Questions pave the way to possibility for all of us who are brave enough to ask. I am personally inspired to see what 50 (something) holds for me, and how I can use time (and age) to my advantage. I hope that you’re inspired too, and that age will forever propel you forward rather than hold you back. Most of all, I hope that we as women can band together to break the barrier and own what is rightfully ours, the privilege of getting older without shame, and to stand united in showing the world that age is something to be proud of, not to hide. In order to become a stronger, healthier, more empowered version of ourselves, we need to embrace the years  that have gotten us to this point. Whether you use my questions or create your own, I encourage you to go on a fact finding mission and enjoy all the discoveries along the way.

Best in all Birthdays to Come~

- Angie

Angie Miller, M.S., is a fitness educator, university instructor, and Licensed Professional Counselor who blends her skills and expertise to empower individuals, mentally and physically, and provide them the tools they need to succeed. A veteran group exercise instructor and personal trainer, Angie is the star of acclaimed exercise DVD’s, including the Bedroom Body™ workout. Her passion for progressive education brought her to Northern Illinois University, where she teaches in the Dept. of Kinesiology & Physical Education. Outside of the university, she presents at fitness conventions worldwide and leads industry trainings as an AFAA Certification Specialist and Kettlebell Concepts Master Instructor. Angie writes for fitness journals and digital communities, and blogs for Collage Video. Connect with Angie at: http://www.angiemillerfitness.com