We've been back in Hawaii for a couple weeks and attended a 4th of July picnic yesterday. I had a really funny exchange with a group of young people. The mom (J) of 2 of the girls (A and K) is a friend of mine. While I was sitting in my lawn chair, J came by and said, "Come with me." We headed over to the group that included her daughters, another young woman and a young man. I didn't catch his name, but for the sake of this post I'll call him KIAT (know it all teen.)
J said, "He doesn't think middle aged women are active. Tell him how many marathons you've run." I held up the number four and that's when things got fun...
KIAT: Well running's not really hard...
Me (laughing, and not really insulted): Really? Lace 'em up then, let's go!
KIAT: Um....
Me: How old do you think I am?
KIAT: 44 (okay he's my new BFF!)
Me: You missed it by about a decade...
Me: I've also hiked the Grand Canyon, kayaked the Napali Coast, and mountain biked on Mt. Etna on Sicily. Should I go on?
All: Yes!
Me: My husband and I hiked Yosemite, that's where he proposed. And I ran Tantalus on Sunday.
A to KIAT: Do you know where Tantalus is?
KIAT: No...
A: I've walked it, wow!
Me: My husband rode 42 miles on his bike this morning.
KIAT: Okay, I'm impressed with you guys
Me: He also raced Haleakala a couple weeks ago (post about that coming soon!)
KIAT: Okay, okay, I was wrong!
I walked away laughing.
This whole conversation made my day! I laughed the whole time because I love it when people underestimate me and dozens of women just like me. I also realize that he could have been talking about dozens of women I know, my age and younger, who do fit the stereotype. My own Mom was like that. She spent all her time taking care of her family and putting herself last. I wonder if she'd still be alive today if she had spent even 30 minutes a day focusing on her health.
It's a balance that each of us has to find. We can't neglect our families, but we can't neglect ourselves either. I will always believe we're better wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters when we're taking care of ourselves.
Do people ever underestimate you? Do you struggle with balancing family life and taking care of yourself?
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