Metamorphosis of a word...

When I was a teenager, it was a funny, silly identity word.
When I was in my twenties, I took offense at its use to describe me.
In my thirties, I tried to change so as not to identify with it at all.
In my forties, it came in handy as I found I needed it to get through some rough times. And I found out it meant much more than I thought...in a positive way.
Now that I am in my fifties, I rejoice that I CAN still identify with this word! I NEED it!

The word? "HYPER!"

Once I loved the attention of being "hyper". I was funny. I enjoyed being the center of attention. The more "hyper", the better.

Then, I took offense as I interpreted people to insinuate that I should "calm down!" (I probably should have, but I didn't like others thinking I should!) "Why are you so "hyper"? is all I heard.

I spent many years trying to be what I thought others wanted or expected me to be, especially as a wife and mother. Nearly gave myself an ulcer! (Probably did give myself something...) "Just be meek and quiet, like a nice Christian woman." (My mind tossed the thoughts over and over, trying to find a way to change. I never quite made it.)

THANK GOD I didn't!

The fifth decade of my life turned my world upside down. Challenges to my core values, belief system, and life-style came unexpectedly. I found that being "hyper" gave me the needed stamina to meet the challenges, and occupy myself with positive things to do. And keep going even when I didn't want to.

And now, here I am caring daily for grandchildren. Chasing them. Building things out of pvc pipe. Having pillow fights. Playing hide and seek. Carrying them out of "predicaments" they seem to find themselves in. My peers no longer call me "hyper". Now they marvel, sometimes with envy, at my "energy".

Besides, I spent many years in Children's Ministry...(and still am) which is a great excuse to to stay "hyper".