Solo Survivor

Sixty and counting…

Happy birthday to me. Today I turn 60 and I think it is a miracle. I escaped death so many times over the years and I thought I would have been worm food and pushing up the daisies long before now. I never wanted to get old, but now that I am officially a senior, I can say I do not feel old. For me, life truly is beginning at 60.

I have a lot of life left to live – and I mean, really live as opposed to merely existing as I have done for most of my life. As I look back over the decades, I can see how different I have become. I realise the truth of Richard Rohr’s statement – “the skills that take you through the first half of your life are entirely unhelpful for the second half.”  I have learnt new skills and the change is obvious. I am probably more than halfway through my life, but I am newly equipped now to live the rest of it well.

Whereas all my energy used to go into surviving each day, I now have the capacity to be spontaneous and adventurous. I no longer need to shop online or psych myself up to leave the house. I laugh and smile a lot more; have way less anxiety and people are telling me it shows. I am able to eat better, sleep better, worry less and am not consumed by thoughts of death.

I am embracing community and love my tribe – I am grateful for my tribe and how many of them have cheered me on, admonished me, taught and encouraged me. I would not have come this far without them all. Some of them may never know the impact they have had, but I do and I am grateful.

I am looking forward to the next decade – yep, I said it. Looking forward. I will endeavour to get the most out of every day. I plan to laugh more; love more; experience, forgive, learn and grow more without the anxiety of the past or worry about the future. Taking each day as it comes knowing I already have the grace I need to live it well.

Thank you for journeying with me thus far.

1 Comment

  1. Lorna Mead

    Welcome to the world of love and happiness. You are worthy of a rich future full of joy. I love whom you have become. Well done good and faithful servant.

    Reply

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