I generally am indifferent about birthdays, but I was filling out an online survey recently and came to the end where it asks what age group you fall into and suddenly it struck me: I’m changing groups.

Man, do I suddenly feel old.

No longer am I associated with people in their 20s. Nope. Now I’m bunched in with the old codgers in their 40s.

What age group identifies you?

>> 0-14

>> 15-24

>> 25-34

>> 35-44 X (welcome to middle age)

>> 45-54

>> 55 and above

The thing that is funny, though, is I actually feel younger now than I did five years ago. I think part of that is because I quit smoking, and part of it is that I’ve actually been trying to eat healthier for the first time in my life. I eat vegetarian sandwiches now, I’ve cut back on my dairy intake drastically, it’s been at least four years since I had a soda pop, I eat cucumbers and bell peppers for snacks now, etc. (though I’m not giving up my pizza and ice cream).

I also have been doing a lot more hiking and going for walks since moving to Western Washington. And having a toddler forces me to be on my toes constantly.

All of that combined has made it so I certainly don’t feel all that old. And in reality, 35 isn’t exactly that old, though I remember when I was in youth group in high school I thought the parents of my friends were ancient – and they probably weren’t all that much older than I am now.

Anyway, I guess part of it is perspective, and part of it is how you choose to live your life.

So, despite the fact that I turned 35 on Sunday, I’m choosing to identify myself this way:

What age group identifies you?

>> 0-14 X (some days my humor puts me in this group)

>> 15-24 X (some days, my thinking I know everything about everything and then being wrong puts me in this group)

>> 25-34 X (some days, when I snap awake on short sleep and feel I can conquer the world puts me in this group)

>> 35-44 X (life)

>> 45-54 X (I don’t know what categorizes this group; maybe those rare times I’m mature)

>> 55 and above (nope, not checking this one yet!)

– Craig Craker