So I recently posted a picture of me doing a handstand. Facebook and Instagram. I had a variety of responses, and it set me to thinking…
Why am I doing a handstand and why am I posting it? What’s in a handstand?
Why am I doing it? The answer is simple: because I [still] can. And they make me feel happy. They are a way of celebrating health and ability that I’m sure won’t always be there.
I’m now a menopausal woman, which sounds weird to me, because I don’t feel much different than I did 30 years ago. And yet a quick look in the mirror reveals sun damage and gravity and wrinkles and dimples and added padding. I don’t heal as quickly from minor injuries as I used to. My running pace is much slower. I haven’t kept up on my flexibility. But I CAN still do a handstand.
But what about in 10 years from now? 20? Will I still be able to do a handstand in my 70s? What’s in a handstand? Strength, courage, steadfastness, discipline, mental and physical toughness, balance, youthful vigor. I want all those things to describe me as I age. I want to be able to accomplish physical challenges.
So I will keep doing handstands until my body says no more… because I can and they make me feel happy.
Reason enough, to me.
What about you:
What is your “handstand?” What is your thing that you do (or what do you want it to be) that makes you feel empowered?
