I am currently enrolled in the school of life. I've been showing up every day, rain or shine, and I hope to one day graduate - fingers crossed. I am pretty sure I will not be valedictorian, though. Don't fret, it's OK, at least I've never had to wear a dunce cap, but even if I did, you know darn well, I will just rock it with a pair of boots and a mini skirt cause that's just who I am.
I had a really funny thing happen to me on my way to work today. I stopped at my local Sheetz to get my coffee and a banana. I was at the self-checkout when a young lady walked up with two little girls. She looked at me and said, " I hope when I get to be your age, I dress as you do. " She said," I see you in here all the time, and you always look so cool."
So you have to understand something about me. I am a classic overthinker. All my life, people have said something to me, and instead of just accepting it for what it is, my mind analyzes it, trying to find hidden meaning where there is none. So at first, I stood there, and I was like what the hell. Were shots just fired in the Sheetz right now? Was that a crack that I'm old? Then I stopped, saw the look on the girl's face, knew she was serious, chuckled a little, and said thank you very much. I'm due back at the nursing home any minute, so I'd better go.- I didn't really say that, lol. I took my stuff, went to my car, and didn't think about it again until right now, when I'm writing this.
That, my friends, is growth. I sat here on my couch and shed a few tears. Anytime you make a change for the better, that is cause for celebration. You are never too old to be better. That innocuous statement, which was really a compliment, would have bothered the old me all day long, but not anymore.
What actually happened in that Sheetz? It was a milestone in my life. Among the lottery tickets, tobacco, and coffee this morning, I realized that I don't care what anybody thinks of me. I officially didn't give a shit. My give-a-damn is completely busted, and parts are no longer available. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, and I think they will let me know that I'm suffering from sickidis disease. Simply put i'm sick of dis shit. Ladies and gentlemen, at 57 years and 50 days old, I truly don't care who anyone thinks I am because I KNOW who I am, and it's liberating.
You know what I was wearing today? I had on a Beatles mini dress and red patent-leather boots, which is not your typical outfit. If I saw myself, I'd walk up to me too. I am so happy to be me, and that has not always been a statement I could make truthfully. I can't wait to see what the school of life has in store for me next. I'm ready.