Guest Author - Cathy Brownfield

Pat insisted on a day trip to St. Augustine, Florida from the condos at Daytona Beach. We would stroll through the historic district, have lunch and return before nightfall. But first, would we mind stopping at this little dress shop so she could return something? Of course not! We’re women. We love to window shop. I hardly expected to find a sexy, little, sleeveless, red dress cut snug around the middle with a flared skirt that would emphasize legs, waist, well, the entire female figure. Mm. Mm. Mm. I liked that dress.

“You should buy it,” Maureen urged. “I dare you.”

“For this body? No way!”

“Buy it and hang it where you will look at it every day. It’ll give you incentive.”

I shook my head. “I can’t spend that kind of money on something that isn’t going to fit me.”

“Then lose the weight. In a year we’re coming back and you’re going to buy that dress.”

I had forgotten about that dress until now, when I began to work on this article. It’s a year later, and I have not lost the weight. And because I’m back in college, I won’t make it to Florida this year. There will not be any sand between my toes or frigid Atlantic encircling my ankles, and no sexy, little, sleeveless, red dress. But there is next year in celebration of my graduation from college. And that requires some decision-making. And travel-planning, because for graduation I want to have my passport and pay my expenses to go with Maureen to Italy.

I said to my youngest daughter who hopes to be accepted into the fashion design program at the college she attends, “I want you to design some clothes for me. Design a line for older women that isn’t frumpy and matronly because we like to look beautiful, too.”

What does the 50-ish woman wear and not be accused of being too matronly or too young for her age? What can I wear that, when I walk into a room I feel beautiful and accept myself as I am with confidence and flair? To be all that I can be?

When my husband and I were Christmas shopping a few weeks ago I held a pedometer in my hands. There were several styles. Which one should I get? Was it worth the expense or would I lose interest and toss it aside? I needed to know more about what I should get. I put the pedometer back for the time being. I need to begin an exercise program that includes daily walking, weight-training, yoga and some aerobics.

I hate aerobics. But I find those exercises tolerable when I incorporate them with a yoga program. I also am considering membership at the YMCA so I can use the pools that are adjacent to the campus I attend. With proof of fulltime status at the university I can get a nice discount that makes the idea even more appealing.

Last week I wrote that my New Year’s resolution is to lose two pounds per month, 24 pounds by Dec. 331. With a sound exercise program of things I enjoy doing, I can realize my goals and perhaps exceed them. I’ve got my eye on a sexy, little red dress. But it isn’t just about a sexy, little red dress. It’s about feeling good, looking good, and personal well being. And it also isn’t just about me. I am the guinea pig. I am willing to share my story in hopes that you will be encouraged to work to be the best you can be, too.