My 5 year old grandson came to stay last week and shared with me his perspective (and insight) on age when he told me that I was “middle old”. Out of the mouth of babes. It is interesting to me that one so young already has a handle on this distinction. While hard to hear, I can say I am grateful for still being part of the middle old club. But, it begs the question: when will I graduate to the next level? Of course, in my mind, never. Unfortunately, the body has a different say in this matter, no matter the efforts we expend to prevent (or deny!) it.
Two months ago I injured my foot during the simple act of stepping down a stair. No twisting or tripping – just a straightforward, normal step. Spent 6 weeks in a lovely cast/boot thing and now have a new-found appreciation for arch support. Physical therapy has become part of the healing process, wherein I’ve discovered that my big toes are quite inflexible. Rather than bending back 60 to 80 degrees (which is the norm), mine are lucky if they hit 45. Is this all part of being middle old?
At any age, it seems no matter how strong or smart or “flexible” we think we are, we can always get stronger, smarter, or more flexible, but first we have to know objectively where we are. I would never have known my toes were inflexible. I have been ignorant of this fact. What does it matter? Apparently, it affects your stride and gait. So, if I can improve these things and become more physically fit, should I not work towards that end? I am now doing toe stretching and foot strengthening exercises each day. Who would have known?
Seems like in many ways we can often be unaware of our own lack of flexibility and need others to help us open up to a more objective view. What to us seems “normal” and reasonable may, in reality, be less effective and even problematic; another path might be just the one we need to take, for both our own growth and to benefit our relationships. I may think my 45 degree toes are just fine because to me that’s the norm, when in reality my body would function much more efficiently at 60-80 degrees. Will it take work for me to get them there? Yep. Consistent, daily stretching. So it goes with us. Consistent, daily efforts at developing flexibility in our thinking and in how we relate to others.
So, next time someone expresses an honest opinion or gives you feedback, maybe the best course is to take it in, look at it objectively and consider its merits. You just might find a better way. A billboard I saw the other day sums it up nicely: “Flexibility creates options.” On many levels, I might add.
