I just turned 57 this weekend! 57! How does that happen?
Don’t get me wrong, this is not one of those birthdays that I have resisted! I remember 29 being particularly challenging and 45 was no cake-walk either. Instead, I realize that at 57.., I am in a state of ‘surprise’!
Where does and did the time go? When I was a kid, I thought 55 was about the time most people died! It was OLD! Back then, I assumed when I reached this age, I would have one foot in the grave, with the other supported by a cane! Somehow I thought getting older was for other people! Not me!
Now is probably a good time to point out that I have also been blindsided by the aging of our physical bodies! Anyone who is my age can probably attest to this. But let me just say… Men don’t talk about this, so none of us are prepared for what comes (and maybe even more importantly-what goes!)
Perhaps it is because the majority of marketing has been projected towards woman that we all know about their challenges with menopause, hormone imbalance, osteoporosis, etc… etc. When a doctor told me my body wasn’t producing testosterone the way it use to… I didn’t even know that was possible. (Okay that’s been a few years now and you see more about bio-identical hormones.., but not much!) I thought I was a freak of nature!
And let’s face it… Men can be really bad at communicating! Revealing their emotions or deepest thoughts! They are not going to say.., “Oh.., one of the fun things that is going to happen is that as your hair gets thinner, your waistline gets thicker!”
Physically getting older is fraught with challenges and confusion!
And yet.., there is a beauty that comes with age! There is self-knowing and wisdom, based on experience. There is a preciousness that comes with the passage of time. Knowing what resonates and is aligned. Cherishing the relationships, places and things that feed and support your soul. A contentment for what and where we have been.
I find myself smiling at our humanness. How we worry and fret about so many of the small things in life. I recognize the peace of mind that comes from knowing that everything will work out fine. That it may not look like we expect or want; but it always works out.
This doesn’t mean I will never worry or experience fear again. I will. It just won’t take as long to realize that they aren’t getting me anywhere!
It seems we become more compassionate with ourselves and others. And compassion is a good thing!
So as I ride the wave of surprise that comes from celebrating my latest birthday, I am aware that this is simply part of life and aging. And for the past few days I have been telling myself not to worry because 57 is the new 56!
I hope you are living the life of your dreams.., regardless of your age! Please know… I am!
With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles
Charles, fun blog to read… thanks for sharing… I remember turning 57 and was going through a challenging time taking care of my Mom, who had dementia, and feeling like my life was so short… now I’m 63 and so thrilled with life that I constantly feel like I’m just getting warmed up… I have so many new skills to develop (i.e., horse therapy) and finally making connections in industries I’ve always dreamed of being involved with… as if all my previous life lessons were leading to NOW… just waking up!!! It just keeps getting better, even with thinning hair and thickening waistline… keep up the awesome blogs! Darla
I am just gonna trust you here Darla! Thanks for hanging with me!
Happy Birthday Charles… When I turned 61, all I could think was: I can’t believe I’ve been on the Planet this long! Hahaha! Have an awesome Birthday WEEK….and a new year filled with Magic & Miracles! You are Loved & Appreciated, Charles! Much Love, Andi
It is something like that.., isn’t it Andi!! I have been roaming the planet for a long time! So thrilled to have your support and in my corner of the planet… Well section! 🙂
Ditto! Hug you when I SEE you! ?
I loved being 57! My birthday is 5/7/57! So… now I’m 58 and 58 is great! So happy you are living your dream Charles!
Oh! I love the synchronization of those numbers! Glad you are a part of the dream I am living Jerri!
Happy Birthday Charles.
Thank you Teri!
Happy Birthday dear man! What I have seen and continue to see is a person eager to share his wisdom and heart…to hell with the waistline and hair…the LIGHT you bring negates those things. So glad there is YOU. Cheryl Stonick
Awe… Thanks Cheryl! You sure know how to make a guy feel good! Thanks for being part of the tribe!
Happy Birthday Charles!!! May your year be filled with love, laughter, and prosperity. : )
Thanks Pat!
I thought 65 was
The new 56 !
It IS for sparkly redheads!
you two are hilarious!
Loved your post! I know when I turned 60 in January, it was one of those “What The Hell??!!” moments. How the heck did that happen??!! I’m not one to be concerned with numbers (and they really are just numbers) but I was remembering what my mom looked like at 60 and it was a lot different (and a lot older and she never at any point looked her actual age) than I was looking. Then of course, last month, my lovely daughter turned 25. That was another “What The Hell??!!” moment. Her reaction? “Oh My God, I’m so old!” My counter to that was “Well, what the heck does that make me???!!!”
So funny Karen!! Last night we had family over for dinner. There are three great nieces who are all about the same age. I asked if one of the was “4 now?” They are all 7!!! These kids are too much of a reminder of of how quickly it all passes! Thanks for being part of the older tribe with me!
Happy Birthday my dear friend.
Thanks Michelle!
Happy birthday Charles. I am so happy to have more time with you. I am still 1 year older, but I think you are wiser.
Thanks Layne! I don’t know about the wiser part! You know what they say: “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with BS”. I’ve been told more than once I’m “full of it”!! 🙂
Hey. Wait for the next decade to sneak up on you. You are correct though, there is a contentment that comes with age. A comfortableness with oneself that also happens. And most importantly, there isn’t too many things that upset me anymore (except the idiots that drive 80+ on our freeways). I Just go with it is what it is.
Happy Birthday Charles and wishing you many many more. Almoth
Thanks Almoth for leading the way and being an example for many! I appreciate your years of support and encouragement!
Love this entry….. it’s YOU!!! xo AC
Thanks Gail! You always know just the right thing to say to trigger a memory! 🙂
I enjoy your news letter. I also think you two are a beautiful couple. I am a friend of your sister Cheri’s, she is such a good person. I am curious about the different stones you have. It is quite interesting to me. I’ve heard about crystals and things like that, having healing effects??? Yes, getting old is,,, when did this happen?? lol
Hi Sandra! Thank you for the kind words, and I am thrilled that even through writing you can tell what a beautiful relationship I get to be a part of! That makes my day! I have written a lot about crystals and their natural properties. You could go to the Storm Wisdom website and click on the link to “The Magic of Crystals”. Or, just go directly there… http://www.TheMagicofCrystals.com
There are close to 100 write-ups on some of the most common and available crystals. If you run your mouse over them, you can click on them to get all the details. Or if you want to sort them by the Energy Centers (chakras)… You can do that on the left. BTW…, the “Top 10” which have a badge in the top right corner all have a short (1-2 minute) video about them… A quick way to get a sense of them!
One of the best things about crystals are that they are so beautiful. Gifts from the Earth… So they are always fun… Even when they are supporting you with serious work!