Plus, The Antidote #32: the U.S. tries to erase long COVID, trans, and Black and brown folks. I don't know how else to classify this. On a more positive note: belated Black History Month goodness!
With years on this planet, hurts, and losses - in our own body or of loved ones - also comes this knowledge of what’s right for you and only you, what doesn’t matter anymore, and what does. So much of what you say resonates with me. Happy birthday!
You're amazing, Amy. Thanks for the link! I'll just throw out for the Very Tired...I don't do ANY of the suggested steps in the "negotiate your medical bills" article...I just call! And I have a pretty good success rate with getting discounts or forgiveness. :)
Haha, you must just have a WAY. I called and tried my darnedest, but they basically said I could get a 10% discount to pay in full right then, or I could be mailed an application for financial assistance. I opted for the application, but I’m doubtful they’ll give me any because although I’m on SSDI, my husband still works. Worth a try still!
Just love you and your amazing ability to express yourself, to beautifully articulate the way so many of us feel. I'm so proud of you and inspired by you.
Reading this encourages me to make an effort to be kinder and less critical of myself.
I am grateful to have you in my life as we continue on our glorious journey of aging
(Im trying ;). Lots ahead to look forward to, my friend Xo
Another thought provoking piece. At almost 48 and having struggled with migraines pre-LC, a lot of what you write about finding peace in letting go of a career as well as feeling - and seeing - the aging process really resonated with me. Thanks for writing and glad to hear about the progress you're making!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, scjr! I sometimes wish this stuff didn’t resonate as much, but it just shows how insidious this messaging and self-judgment can be. <sigh>
There's so much power in hearing about these little details of ithers’ experiences. I genuinely felt a kind of weight lift when I read that piece. I sometimes wonder if I'm somehow “to blame” for my LC because I didn't deal with the migraines more successfully and they remained this weakness that the virus exploited. (Even though I know it's unhelpful and not really logical to think this way!) Reading about someone who'd dealt with thise similar stressor really was…well, a tonic!
I’m turning 50 in a couple months too so all that you wrote about this resonates.
Excellent links and studies highlighted, again thank you. I’m also not sure what to make of the preprint, except validates that some are uncommonly injured, that’s real, but hard to argue with the millions of deaths prevented. Here’s to some continued recovery for you this year 🥂
Thanks doc!! I truly don’t think Iwasaki et al were trying to argue against the overall benefit of C19 vaccination, but a lot of the anti-vaxxers out there sure want to think that’s what this study means! The hard part for me to parse is that, just like we don’t know what makes otherwise healthy people develop LC, we don’t know why some react to the vaccine as if they have LC. So this kind of research is small and flawed, but it’s a start toward understanding how and why this happens. (I don’t mean to “science-splain” to a man of science, lol. Just sharing my outlook on it).
Shucks, Tanya - thank you! And thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. I wish these things didn’t resonate with people sometimes, but it seems few of us are impervious to this self-judgment. It’s not our faults though!!
I can handle some wrinkles but why is the crepey neck the worst?? it is gravity's betrayal. I try not to think about it too hard, i appreciate your vulnerability on this topic. and you are absolutely right, getting older is a gift
Happy belated birthday, and welcome to the Fabulous Fifties! I'm a few years ahead of you and I can tell you that so far, it is the Best, even with Long Covid and perimenopause conspiring within my brain to make it glitchy. (Also a bit envious that you've passed through the Menopause Portal already.)
Can definitely help you out with rewriting the self talk. I have noticed the lines at the corners of my eyes deepening, because I have had much to smile about in my life. I am determined to age as gracefully as I can; so far, so good. Agree with you about the accelerated aging of my hands, though. Outrageous!
Ahh, my birthday isn’t until June, but thanks! I do love hearing about your smiling eyes and their little lines. So worth it, right?
A few days after this post, I got carded in a liquor store, by a woman only a few years older than me. I could tell by how she was staring at me that she was going to ask, and then she did. We laughed about it when I handed over my license and told her I was turning 50 in a few months. I tried hard not to be flattered by it! I’m sure it’s the last time this will happen in earnest.
AMY!!!!! TWINKIE POSTS!!!! This is wild, and I love it! Taking this as another sign, we are on the right track and to lean farther into our attitude on aging. I was crying laughing at "we grab the area that’s changing, try to somehow lift it or smooth it out, and simultaneously make guttural sounds that are so deep, so indicative of utter disgust, there’s not even a phonetic way for me to type them for you here. Maybe you can “hear” this pic:" 😭😂
Sometimes when I'm in the mirror, I lift up my boobs to where they used to hang in my 20s and let out a sigh, then a howling laugh because WHAT EVEN ARE BOOBS?!?!? Bras are safer and less expensive than a surgical lift. A lift prolongs the inevitable because gravity stops for no one.
This whole piece was beautiful and hilarious. I loved learning about where you spent your milestone birthdays. Also, YAY! 50 is so amazing! My sister, who is 54, is loving her 50s. I was just speaking with her today about aging. She said she feels great, and the way she feels does not match what she sees in the mirror, but she doesn't care because she's ALIVE!
I'm so glad I get to be in your orbit while experiencing the joys and sometimes junk of aging. It is especially poignant for us because we were so young when our parents passed, and they were so young, too. Very grateful for you 🫂💘
We are so connected, aren’t we? I love that. Laughing at your boob lifts because mine have always been on the small side, so the slight sag is actually helping them look bigger. So that’s fun for Baldy, I guess 😆.
I love that we both have sisters in their 50s to guide us along! My sister is healthy, strong, and gorgeous. She’s modeling good things for me ☺️
Happy Birthday Amy! I’m with you here, and my next milestone birthday will be 60, yikes typing that! Had my MS diagnosis at 51, so it will be interesting to reflect on my next milestone with that changed perspective. And I don’t know if it’s the diagnosis, or just going through my 50s but that ageing body loathing seems to be just organically disappearing 😊
Thanks Jane! I am definitely interested in seeing how 60 lands for you given your MS experience. I do love the idea that this body loathing may organically disappear over time. Let’s hope I can either neuroplastically train these thoughts away or the organic thing happens 🤞🏻.
Thanks for a great post, Amy. I’m turning 65 in a few months so I really appreciate your approach. Being kind to ourselves is so important. I am glad to hear about your improved health and the insights you’ve gained from your journey. Thanks for sharing them with us.
So much of what you say, resonates and nudges us toward acceptance of things we cannot change, and also to resist what is unacceptable and just plain wrong and abusive! Thanks for making yourself so vulnerable and for encouraging us to choose our battles wisely! Your way with words and your humor is contagious.
Amy. I have so much to say about this post, and want to post a photo of my own righteous bangs for you, but I have tears in my sweet hooded eyes rn because you’ve articulated so many things I’ve had on my mind. For now, I will thank you for sharing the shop - I love making my silly little designs - and thank you for you!
With years on this planet, hurts, and losses - in our own body or of loved ones - also comes this knowledge of what’s right for you and only you, what doesn’t matter anymore, and what does. So much of what you say resonates with me. Happy birthday!
Beautifully said, Katia! And thank you ☺️
You're amazing, Amy. Thanks for the link! I'll just throw out for the Very Tired...I don't do ANY of the suggested steps in the "negotiate your medical bills" article...I just call! And I have a pretty good success rate with getting discounts or forgiveness. :)
Haha, you must just have a WAY. I called and tried my darnedest, but they basically said I could get a 10% discount to pay in full right then, or I could be mailed an application for financial assistance. I opted for the application, but I’m doubtful they’ll give me any because although I’m on SSDI, my husband still works. Worth a try still!
Happy Birthday, and congrats on your successful week and getting to the other side of it!!!
Thanks Rachel!
Amy,
Just love you and your amazing ability to express yourself, to beautifully articulate the way so many of us feel. I'm so proud of you and inspired by you.
Reading this encourages me to make an effort to be kinder and less critical of myself.
I am grateful to have you in my life as we continue on our glorious journey of aging
(Im trying ;). Lots ahead to look forward to, my friend Xo
Love you, my gorgeous friend 🥰. It’s so hard to be kinder to ourselves, but we have to try!!
Another thought provoking piece. At almost 48 and having struggled with migraines pre-LC, a lot of what you write about finding peace in letting go of a career as well as feeling - and seeing - the aging process really resonated with me. Thanks for writing and glad to hear about the progress you're making!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, scjr! I sometimes wish this stuff didn’t resonate as much, but it just shows how insidious this messaging and self-judgment can be. <sigh>
There's so much power in hearing about these little details of ithers’ experiences. I genuinely felt a kind of weight lift when I read that piece. I sometimes wonder if I'm somehow “to blame” for my LC because I didn't deal with the migraines more successfully and they remained this weakness that the virus exploited. (Even though I know it's unhelpful and not really logical to think this way!) Reading about someone who'd dealt with thise similar stressor really was…well, a tonic!
Fantastic read, thank you for all of it!
I’m turning 50 in a couple months too so all that you wrote about this resonates.
Excellent links and studies highlighted, again thank you. I’m also not sure what to make of the preprint, except validates that some are uncommonly injured, that’s real, but hard to argue with the millions of deaths prevented. Here’s to some continued recovery for you this year 🥂
Thanks doc!! I truly don’t think Iwasaki et al were trying to argue against the overall benefit of C19 vaccination, but a lot of the anti-vaxxers out there sure want to think that’s what this study means! The hard part for me to parse is that, just like we don’t know what makes otherwise healthy people develop LC, we don’t know why some react to the vaccine as if they have LC. So this kind of research is small and flawed, but it’s a start toward understanding how and why this happens. (I don’t mean to “science-splain” to a man of science, lol. Just sharing my outlook on it).
Wow! Identify with all of this, we're not alone in this journey and lessons of life and or long COVID - you sound like an amazing human!
Shucks, Tanya - thank you! And thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. I wish these things didn’t resonate with people sometimes, but it seems few of us are impervious to this self-judgment. It’s not our faults though!!
THE HAIR. THE CALICOS. THE BUFFOONS!
I can handle some wrinkles but why is the crepey neck the worst?? it is gravity's betrayal. I try not to think about it too hard, i appreciate your vulnerability on this topic. and you are absolutely right, getting older is a gift
The crepey neck happens so fast - I think that’s part of the “betrayal.” One day you’re all taut-necked, the next day you’re not (naught? lol).
Happy belated birthday, and welcome to the Fabulous Fifties! I'm a few years ahead of you and I can tell you that so far, it is the Best, even with Long Covid and perimenopause conspiring within my brain to make it glitchy. (Also a bit envious that you've passed through the Menopause Portal already.)
Can definitely help you out with rewriting the self talk. I have noticed the lines at the corners of my eyes deepening, because I have had much to smile about in my life. I am determined to age as gracefully as I can; so far, so good. Agree with you about the accelerated aging of my hands, though. Outrageous!
Ahh, my birthday isn’t until June, but thanks! I do love hearing about your smiling eyes and their little lines. So worth it, right?
A few days after this post, I got carded in a liquor store, by a woman only a few years older than me. I could tell by how she was staring at me that she was going to ask, and then she did. We laughed about it when I handed over my license and told her I was turning 50 in a few months. I tried hard not to be flattered by it! I’m sure it’s the last time this will happen in earnest.
AMY!!!!! TWINKIE POSTS!!!! This is wild, and I love it! Taking this as another sign, we are on the right track and to lean farther into our attitude on aging. I was crying laughing at "we grab the area that’s changing, try to somehow lift it or smooth it out, and simultaneously make guttural sounds that are so deep, so indicative of utter disgust, there’s not even a phonetic way for me to type them for you here. Maybe you can “hear” this pic:" 😭😂
Sometimes when I'm in the mirror, I lift up my boobs to where they used to hang in my 20s and let out a sigh, then a howling laugh because WHAT EVEN ARE BOOBS?!?!? Bras are safer and less expensive than a surgical lift. A lift prolongs the inevitable because gravity stops for no one.
This whole piece was beautiful and hilarious. I loved learning about where you spent your milestone birthdays. Also, YAY! 50 is so amazing! My sister, who is 54, is loving her 50s. I was just speaking with her today about aging. She said she feels great, and the way she feels does not match what she sees in the mirror, but she doesn't care because she's ALIVE!
I'm so glad I get to be in your orbit while experiencing the joys and sometimes junk of aging. It is especially poignant for us because we were so young when our parents passed, and they were so young, too. Very grateful for you 🫂💘
Congrats to your nephew!!!!! 💥
We are so connected, aren’t we? I love that. Laughing at your boob lifts because mine have always been on the small side, so the slight sag is actually helping them look bigger. So that’s fun for Baldy, I guess 😆.
I love that we both have sisters in their 50s to guide us along! My sister is healthy, strong, and gorgeous. She’s modeling good things for me ☺️
😂 a win for Baldy! And me too me too!
A great article and thanks so much for the mention :)
You bet…love your stuff!
Happy birthday, Amy. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead (despite the world). xo
Thank you! 🫶🏻
Happy Birthday Amy! I’m with you here, and my next milestone birthday will be 60, yikes typing that! Had my MS diagnosis at 51, so it will be interesting to reflect on my next milestone with that changed perspective. And I don’t know if it’s the diagnosis, or just going through my 50s but that ageing body loathing seems to be just organically disappearing 😊
Thanks Jane! I am definitely interested in seeing how 60 lands for you given your MS experience. I do love the idea that this body loathing may organically disappear over time. Let’s hope I can either neuroplastically train these thoughts away or the organic thing happens 🤞🏻.
Belt and braces kind of approach? 😉
Thanks for a great post, Amy. I’m turning 65 in a few months so I really appreciate your approach. Being kind to ourselves is so important. I am glad to hear about your improved health and the insights you’ve gained from your journey. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Thank you for reading, Paula!
So this is a big year for both of us re: birthdays! Medicare, here you come!
So much of what you say, resonates and nudges us toward acceptance of things we cannot change, and also to resist what is unacceptable and just plain wrong and abusive! Thanks for making yourself so vulnerable and for encouraging us to choose our battles wisely! Your way with words and your humor is contagious.
Thanks Jenny!! Appreciate you 💛
Amy. I have so much to say about this post, and want to post a photo of my own righteous bangs for you, but I have tears in my sweet hooded eyes rn because you’ve articulated so many things I’ve had on my mind. For now, I will thank you for sharing the shop - I love making my silly little designs - and thank you for you!
DM me your bangs! 🫶🏻