The Body Parts are always speaking to us and certainly as we age, reminding us that whichever way we "treated" them, if ever neglected or abused either through lifestyle or by choice, they "speaketh" and will kick back with a vengeance!

Body Parts, the Blessed, Blessed Body Parts!
(As I see it…)
By Mary Hirsch
As I approach my 77th (is that right? I did forget a birthday a few years ago…), but I digress, sharp as I think I am. And I do think I’m pretty sharp because I keep eating my blueberries daily, hitting the gym, practicing Mindfulness and staying positive and grateful. For sure, grateful; that’s a must!
So what’s the big deal about the upcoming birthday three months away? Personally (who else?) I don’t mind ageing because I’ve always known that the process of ageing begins the very second one is born. And, as the years go by, all kinds of opportunities and challenges – above all, choices – present themselves to treasure each second of life.
But there’s the rub!: It’s the wisdom of the years that finally begins to kick in and, like a puzzle, puts the pieces together and life begins to make sense. IF – and only IF – one chooses to see it that way. It’s always a personal choice, of course.
Who was it that said “Youth is wasted on the young?” Does it matter? Is it not wonderful enough to know that as we reach “the autumn of our years” we can look back at our treasure trove of experiences to know what works and what doesn’t?
Most of the mistakes I’ve made in my life (and I’ve made some whoppers!) have taught me incredible lessons. I’ve given some thought to “regrets” and what I would have changed or done differently and I’ve managed to come up with a couple but even then… they were invaluable lessons and I’m not one to cry over spilled milk, anyway. I’ve always been a student of life and a self-improvement freak so I’ve learned to ask myself the question: “What could be good from this?” And, from where I’ve sat and sit, there’s always something good and positive.
So the upcoming birthday has nothing to do with anything, other than my blessed body parts are becoming more vocal, namely my favorite left shoulder which has “degenerative” concerns. Surprised? Not really. Challenged? You bet!
Why not surprised? I’ve been a jock and a “Tomboy” who grew up with four brothers (four older, four younger and moi smacked in the middle), so I’ve been an athletic and joyful sportswoman all my life – to this day; I’m hooked on exercise, movement and a very healthy lifestyle replete with superb nutrition. And yet… the blessed body parts, just like parts in a Classic Car, wear out!
My knees (especially my favorite right knee) are, after eight(8) marathons, “retired” – from running – not any other daily exercise; they won’t have it any other way. And I still run in my dreams because there’s where I felt closer to God, the pounding of my heart in perfect unison with the sound of one foot step and then the other… ta dum, ta dum, ta dum…heart beat, heart beat, heart beat. Oh, what JOY!
I can still close my eyes and take myself to my favorite loooong, Sunday morning runs from Santa Monica to Hollywood and back. And the time when I forgot my phone or money in case I got a shin splint, side stitch and might have had to hail a cab to get back. It happened! So I had to stand at the very corner of Hollywood and Vine (call girl territory) and bum a ride or cab money! Fun.
But the biggest thrill came when I ran my last marathon at 59 in New York, making my best time ever (Wow!!) and, unbeknownst to me, to be my last. Shortly thereafter I blew my knee out while training for the Boston marathon! That was a bummer, for sure, but I could still run in my dreams and still continue to work out in all disciplines at the gym (Yoga, weights, machines, swimming, Treadmill, daily long walks, weight lifting, Tai Chi, Xi gong, dancing, anything and everything that will bless my blessed Body Temple with movement and good health! I can’t wait to get up in the morning and after “chores,” hit the gym!
I feel so darn lucky! So grateful for this incredible God-given gift of this miraculous, ultimate Machine called our Body!
My Body Temple for sure. So grateful, so very, very grateful.
My shoulder? It will be fine. My MGH brilliant doctor and I are a Team: she’s my Coach; I’m her Quarterback. Being one of the docs and PT (physical therapy) who works with the Red Sox, she knows what she’s doing (am I lucky, or what?) and we’ve decided to treat my beloved shoulder using organic and healthy nutritionas medicine and lots and lots of continued PT. No meds with side effects, no overthe-counter nonsense; No copping out here!
BRING IT ON!
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