I turned 60 this week! If I’m completely honest, there’s apart of me that wonders how this is even possible! Wasn’t 40 just a few minutes ago? At the same time, turning 60 is much easier than I might have imagined at earlier times in my life.
As I’ve thought about this, I realize this is because “I fit in my life”. The who, what, how, where and why all make sense and feel right. As aligned as everything feels right now, it hasn’t always been the case.
There were times when my life didn’t make sense. I wanted something different than my own reality. I was either chasing the dime or trying to be something I wasn’t. I spent a lot of time wishing “things were different” than how they actually were… or pursuing someone or something that wasn’t really available or in hindsight just not right for me. All of these situations lead to wasted time regretting what wasn’t and not enough time appreciating what was.
This doesn’t mean life wasn’t good… or even that these situations didn’t have their benefits at the time. It simply means I wasn’t really very present. I was too busy trying to navigate or maybe more accurately… manipulate and control the future.
But at 60, those times of angst, struggle, perceived disappointment or trivial pursuit make sense now. They are part of the journey that lead me to this point in time. This moment when all feels right in my world.
There is a beauty and wisdom that comes with the passing years. The lessons learned along the way begin to make sense. I can see how the choices I’ve made along the way inform and shape this present moment. Even the ones that I questioned for long blocks of time, have found their right place in my narrative.
Old stories are just that. There are so many stories I’ve told myself for too long, that now belong to the past. They don’t resonate with this 6th decade. What’s interesting about this is that I didn’t intentionally set out to put them behind me. They just don’t fit anymore.
One last thought about embracing 60… and the good news is you don’t have to be a certain age to use this nugget! I am hugely grateful to so many people who have been teachers in my life! Most for their inspiration, support, and insights. But also those who put cracks in my heart or interrupted a different dream than the one I am living. Without all of you… there wouldn’t be the me who gets to love the life I’m living now!
Oh yeah… someone’s feeling blessed!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLES!!!! You and I are both Libras. Mine will be on the 3rd and I will be in London with friends. I lived in London and Florence which will be my next stop after London. SO BLESSED!!! Just the fact we are witnessing our lives…aware of where we are NOW…IN THE PRESENT….so very very fortunate…we can say at the end “A LIFE WELL LIVED”. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…and ME…and may we continue our Journey here on Earth…full of WONDER and AWE…regarding everything around us and within us. Lots of Love….Donna
Happy Birthday Donna! Of course you’re a Libra! How fun that you are visiting old stomping grounds as a way to celebrate your Birthday! Thanks for your continuous support! It means a lot in this blessed life!
Love this post… resonnates… especially the part about all the places you’ve been in your life fitting into the person you are today… I’ve looked at in the same way… described it slightly different, as a mosaic of my life… a tapestry with threads and designs from different experiences… and the all-too-popular-euphaism describing each piece of life as a piece of an abstract puzzle that becomes more beautiful as it becomes more complex. Thank you for sharing… glad to know you are content once again.
Many great metaphors Darla… thanks for sharing them and deepening the conversation. I appreciate you always being so supportive and encouraging!
Happy birthday Charles!🎈🎊💝what a gift you are to our community and the world!
Thank you Ellen!
Happy birthday! You are a gift to the world… we are lucky to have you in OUR community! Ok, ok, I know, we are supposed to share with the world and you are doing what you can in your social media world to expand the circle of influence in which you are a significant contributor! You bless the world.
Charles: I respect you for embracing life, honoring changes, and inspiring others! Happy Birthday to you!
Thank you Sandy!
What a beautiful way to embark upon your next trip around the sun. May you experience blessing upon blessing.
Thank you Michelle!
Happy birthday Charles and may you have a wonderful decade ahead of you with many “presents” of fabulous moments! I truly enjoy your weekly writings however this one especially true for me over the past decade. Thank you for being such a wonderful light in this world ~ sending you a birthday hug filled with love and appreciation for you!
Hey Michalene… wow, it has been way to long! Thanks for the well-wishes and the nice feedback!