How I Got My Golden Swagger

My mom

People are sometimes surprized when they learn that I'm 54 years old. Some even ask what my secret is.  Honestly I don't have a secret.  First of all, I have to wonder what the consensus thinks/feels/believes a woman who is 50 + is supposed to look and behave like?  But I digress, I suppose there are some elements in place that help keep me "youthful" so I'll share.

While I STRIVE to get in a decent amout of exercise and to eat well balanced meals,  I admit that I don't always eat what I should and too often eat things I shouldn't.  What we eat without question contributes to our well being or lack thereof; but it's not the end all and be all.  When questioned by the psedo-righteous Scribes and Pharisees, Jesus rebutted: "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15:11 (KJV)  So while diet and exercise are contributors to living the good life, there is more to it.

My grandmother

Let's face it; genes, your inner circle and attiude weigh heavily on your total person and that even translates into what you look like.  My grandparents raised me because my mom worked at night but let's be clear, mom was always within reach. In fact I actually lived in two houses on the same street - mom and my step-dad's and my grandparents.  Almost until the day she died, my grandmother was youthful.  She KEPT a positive attitude.  Helped a lot of people in need without expecting any form of compensation, loved to laugh and never EVER "acted her age."  She loved to dance and would break out into a silly little dance spontaneously on any given day.  Grandma also loved to surround herself with children and had a countless number of unofficial godsons and daughters.  She was 90 years old when she answered the call from labor to reward.

My grandfather, a 30+ year employee of the historic Ford Motor Company Rouge plant, tinkered and tilled for years after he retired.  No rocking chairs for that pair!  

My parents are amazing too.  Even though both have had health challenges, they're both still doing quite well.  Dad, a retired executive from Chrysler has a philosophy which I'm working to incorporate..."If it ain't fun, I don't do it."  Now you have to earn the right and be in the position to do this.  You have to pay some dues, but when you've worked as long as my parents and grandparents, sowed into countless lives, repented of your sins (both spiritual and natural), shed enough blood, sweat and tears, you come to a point in life where you can not only recite that phrase, but live it.

Me and dad

 My dad didn't start out at Chrysler with a high level job or any formal education.  He barely graduated high school but once he got his eye on the prize, he made a decision to buckle down and do the work so that he and his family could reap the harvest.  Dad started at the bottom rung in Chrysler's plant, took advantage of the opportunities afforded him by the union (i.e tuition assistance) and while working full time, took Central Michigan University courses until he earned a Master's Degree. All the while receiving promotion after promotion until he became the first African American Plant Manager at the Lynch Road Plant.  Dad retired in the 90s but has remained active doing "what he wants to do."  He is a faithful usher at his church, Fellowship Chapel in Detroit and is the President of Baker College's board of Trustees.

Even having said that, my dad still sows.  Sure, he donates to charity, gives offerings at church, but what is so wonderful about him...the thing I think I love the most about him is that he NEVER complains.  Oh he might report an ailment or an incident that happened to him along the way but "oh whoa is me" never escapes his lips and I'm working on being the same way consistently.

Then there's my mom. Mom has had a more difficult time than my dad or grandparents.  She suffered a stroke  15 years ago and has had a few other health challenges along the way.  Even though her speech and mobility are limited, she stilll does everything her body and will power will allow her to do for herself.  Again, she NEVER complains and NEVER asks for assistance to do anything she can do for herself.  It might take her more time, but at 80 years of age she still maintains a sense of independence and dignity.

My hubby (He's the one on the far left, lol)

I have to give a shout out to my amazing husband.  When I literally first set eyes on him, I glanced to my right and quickly dismissed any possibility of even dating him.  I looked at him and thought, "too young."   As the Lord would have it though, we struck up a conversation and I learned that not only was he NOT too young for me but is actually 4 years my senior.  That initial conversation took place 28 years ago and I still marvel at his youthful appearance and stamina.  But Rick invests in his health and well being.  First of all he is extremely disciplined - he has an enviable DAILY exercise regimine.  With him it's not a matter of trying to make time to exercise and I don't have to tell you that he is very careful about what he eats. But that's not to say that he doesn't "indulge" because he does.  He eats whatever he wants but not all of the time.  When he eats a treat it's just that.  I know of people who have to have a Snickers or a bowl of ice cream every day.  Rick on the other hand will only treat himself occasionally.  

Another thing I admire about my husband is his outlook on life.  Rick and his 5 other siblings were adopted. He has shared with me that there are times when he can't help but question why his parents gave he and his blood brother away. Some people might harbor that haunting question along with bitterness and anger but he doesn't.  Instead he has set goals for himself, tracks them and ACHIEVES them.  He has accomplished a lot in life and he attributes it to following instructions that the Lord gave him.  When he gave his life to Christ in the early 80s, he was given instructions to STICK WITH ME (God) and go back to school.  At the time he was working in the Chevy Gear and Axle plant in Hamtramck, Michigan.  He had dropped out of high school.  I talk about this more than he ever will but I'm proud to say that he not only earned a GED while working, but took community college classes and graduated with two Associate of Arts degrees.  But he didn't stop there, he enrolled in Wayne State University and without taking any leaves of absence, earned two Master's degrees, certification as an Education Specialist and licensure in Community and Agency Counseling.  

All of my life I've been surrounded by people who know the value of investment.  Investment in meaningful service, spirituality, mental and physical health, and in love, laughter and leisure.  How could I help but have a Golden Swagger?

I'll bet you have a Golden Swagger story and I'd LOVE to share it with my readers.  Please share.