I’m getting older, and guess what? It’s kind of nice. I mean, the body aches, the back pain, and the crawling around to get up off the floor are not ideal, but as far as focusing on the things I love the most. I do that more now than I did in my youth.

I used to want to be a social butterfly. Enjoying the constant buzz of activity around me, now I am much more settled and happy to spend my time focusing on getting a good night’s sleep, finding solace in hobbies that bring me joy, and of course, picking up a great book.

It is Friday night, and I’ve finally realized I reached the phase in my life where I don’t feel obligated to go ‘out’ and actively pursue socialization. I am good with working on a puzzle, reading a book, and binge watching a few of my favorite shows on television. I’m forty-seven by the way. Not what I consider ‘old’ yet, but not ‘young’ either. I guess that’s why they call it middle-aged.

I should clarify something, I DO like to socialize, but I also like my ‘me time.’ I suppose the difference between young me, and middle-aged me, is not so much that I don’t want to socialize, but that I no longer feel some impending guilt for not finding something ‘cool’ to do on a Friday night. Instead, I feel whatever I choose to do is ‘cool.’ Even when that means spending an hour on a puzzle and going to bed early. These things are the new highlights of my day.

I am, in a way, finally learning to appreciate the little joys in life. Walking trails, spending time with family, playing with my dog in the wee hours of the night – these are the things worth spending time doing.

Keeping up with the Joneses, is not for me. Maybe I am just a little vanilla. Pure, with a hint of flavor.

Simple.

But, hey, you know what? I’ve always liked vanilla best.