Those of us in our 60's were children of the 60's. What a time it was, growing up in all that change. Radical ideas of how to live, how to look, how to be. Gone were the "rules". I had to wear dresses in 8th grade, and by the time I graduated high school it was cut offs and halter tops.
Now those radical kids of the 60's are in their 60's. This isn't our mother's 60's. Things have changed here too.
I have many friends that went through that terror of turning 60. I did too! There is something about that number that puts a bit of fear into your soul. It was like turning 30 and being a true life adult. Now we turn 60 and we think we are old. As I grow and learn I realized neither of those concepts are right.
I know many people over thirty that aren't adults, and I know many people sixty plus that are definitely not old.
Things do change, and if you really look, it's an amazing time of life.
We have the right, no the duty to slow down and appreciate the world around us. Look at the splendor of a sunset, appreciate the sound of a gurgling stream, the beauty of a buck in the shadow of the woods. Kids are grown, life gets easier. Time for that ever elusive "me" time. The world is an amazing place and we are in a place where our knowledge and wisdom make life beautiful.
Seems to me the 40's were my favorite decade. Body strong, mind sharp, powerful in all you do. Work, home, play, you can do it all with finesse. The 50's are a time of change for many. Women are in full blown menopause and the ability to put up with people's shit is gone. No more accepting the toxic people in our lives. No more just letting it go. The 50's are a time of cleaning up that which insults your soul. But the 60's, see now it's time to relax a bit.
As the circle gets smaller, you realize what is truly important in life. No longer is there the worry of fitting in. Either you do, or you don't.
Being okay in your own company is a joy.
Thinking back at good and bad as your life unfolds reminds you of the lessons learned and love given and received.
Sure the body isn't what it was. But every spot that twinges reminds us of how it came to be. Some from too much fun, some from mistakes, but all a reminder how we got this far. Our vision fades a bit, but see I find good in that too. How awesome to get up and look in the mirror and think, " yeah, looking pretty dang good for my age" ! lol Yes getting up is a bit harder, and strolling the countryside takes longer, but I think it should. We have time to ponder. Time to relive those times that bring us joy. We also get to choose our purpose. One thing that keeps a person going is having a purpose in life, and it is most important for happiness.
Many have time to travel, to take a few things off the bucket list. We have time to tap into the spiritual side of life. To feel that divine spark within us.
To let the quiet show us the way. There is great power in knowing your connection to all things. A quiet power, but it brings a serenity that you didn't even know you were missing. That feeling of completion. Gotta love it.
Every morning I thank God for the day, and every night I remind myself I am blessed to be here.
