Brain Freeze


As a 17 year old girl who prioritizes health by staying active, I dread the time I get old. I don’t want to feel quarantined in my home, like my grandma and the other elderly people in her apartment. The only time they get up is when they have to go to the bathroom — and even then, some old people can't get up to go. I value the time I get to go and shower and feel relaxed, but most old people need someone to do it for them, which is nothing close to the comforting and soothing experience they once felt. I fear losing the feeling of being alive through exercise, which, until recently, felt inevitable. 

Over winter break this year, my friend and I went to Ann Arbor to run a 5 mile race for the winter Trail fest run event. To our surprise, it started to blizzard the day of the run, but we still decided to go because we expected a lighthearted event with fellow teenage runners. Oh, we were so wrong. I looked left, an old fella. Took a gander to my right, there was a friend of my grandma’s from her apartment. Turned around, saw an old timer warming up. I was taken aback seeing all them. The lingering of these old souls continued throughout the five mile. I got to chat with some, laugh with others, and feel their determination. 


Spending 5 miles worth of time with old people made me realize that I don’t have to be scared of getting old. Yes, there are people like my grandma who cannot be active, regardless of how much they try, but there are always those who surround me in my run. They showed me that resilience doesn’t go away the older you get. It’s not youth that keeps you going through snow for 5 miles, rather, the mental toughness that pushes you to get through it and prove your ability. The old people help me see a future for myself where I am not trapped with age.


Comments

  1. Zainab SyedApril 20, 2025 at 1:09 PM

    Hi Tara! I like how your title relates to how you were scared of the future and wanted to “freeze time”. Your fear of aging is common for many people (including me), I like how you changed that mindset of everyone having the same experience as they age. It shows that life will flow accordingly to how you steer it. Love your message :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. IselaApril 20, 2025 at 6:42 PM

    Hi Tara! I loved your blog today, the narration really added to the tone and familiarity of your piece. I love the message, it’s heartwarming!

    ReplyDelete

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