Okay, so I have noticed that only a couple of people have ventured to brainstorm on their Opinion pieces, so I will dive in, and hopefully others will soon swim.
If I had to write an Opinion piece tomorrow, I would talk about:
My movement community during the pandemic. No, that’s not quite right: how I have gained weight during the pandemic? No, that’s not quite right, either, but I feel there is something worth writing at the intersection of the two.
I discovered a lot of amazing movement communities Online. They accepted me for who I am; it didn’t matter my age or stage of life or experience. I almost feel like I know these people now — even though one of the communities in only Livestream on YouTube and Facebook. My comments, my presence really seem to matter, and I can say that those other people have kept me going.
I used to work out really assiduously. I never thought I would cut my gym membership. It felt like a lifeline, but there I was, losing tons of money while I was making even less. When I finally stopped paying for the gym (I hadn’t used it once for almost 1 1/2 years), I guess I realized that my life had changed. My weight; my tone. It is all so different now, and my self image has undergone a shift. Meanwhile, I have Ecstatic Dance communities. I have even danced with people from Berlin. I have had Online disco parties for senior citizens (I am one of the youngest) that really rock, with a great DJ. I have devoted myself to hula hoop and have an amazing teacher whom I have watched so many times no I feel I know him. Movement has really saved me. It always has.
So, I guess if I did this topic, I would address it as a middle-aged woman, and also as a pandemic issue, and see where it took me. I don’t know if I honestly have an Opinion here yet, but I would be open to finding it.
Another topic might be how I use my cell phone. I am less clear on this topic, but I have a sort of cranky theory that by being an older person, I can, and should!, get away with not always having to text and use my phone. I imagine myself writing a short sassy article about how using a cell phone should have a “tipping point.” I feel like if I have responded quickly to enough texts and emails and other stuff over the years, that it should all add up somehow. Now, if you write me, and I wait a few days to get back to you, you know: I’ve earned it, Honey. Don’t expect much.
That last one is silly.
Okay, please comment if you have any thoughts. I appreciate it.
P.S. Oh, and part of that last one is kind of based off Malcolm Gladwell’s pop culture notion that if you do something for 10,000 hours, you are a master.
-Prof. S.
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