There are countless lessons I’ve learned over the years, and now that I’ve turned 64, I have been pondering life and how I have matured. I could probably create a long, long list of what I’ve learned over the years, but have condensed it to the most relevant 5 things I’ve learned about life in my 60’s.
Sixty sounds so old, but I don’t feel old, not really. When I look in the mirror, of course, I’m brought back to reality, although I’m working on keeping myself in shape and maintaining a youthful appearance. But the bottom line is, I’m experiencing the 2nd half of my life. The 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and even the 50’s are a thing of the past.
The positive that comes out of those years gone by is the life experience, the maturity, the perspective that only comes with the passing of time.
Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.
Betty Friedan
5 Things I’ve Learned About Life in My 60’s
What I Know…
…I know that time goes by very, very quickly.
When you’re young, the future seems so distant and intangible. As you live through each day, some seem to fly by while others drag on and on. But I know this. The older I become, the quicker time passes.
I don’t want to waste one day of my life, but I also don’t want to create such a hectic list of expectations for myself that I’m racing to get through the days. Life is about balance. I work on that every single day.
It’s something that I need to continually work on, though, because my nature is to pack more than can realistically be accomplished in a day, and set myself up for frustration or disappointment, in myself, because it didn’t all get done. It can turn into a vicious circle, my friends.
In order to keep that tendency under control, I start each day with a morning routine that will get my head, and heart, straight. I also have a weekly meeting with myself to adjust the expectations, take a deep breath, and thank the Lord for everything I have been given.
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…I know that as I age, my body begins to dictate more and more of what I am going to do in a day.
I have to say that I don’t particularly care for this natural occurrence, not one bit. In my mind I’m 25 and can keep going all day, no worries. The energy is there, I am fresh and ready for the next task or activity.
However, the 64 year old me, although in good shape and able to keep up with the younger set for the most part, is feeling some tweaks and twangs that are telling me when enough is enough. I am learning to listen to what my body is saying to me…I want to keep it for awhile yet 🙂
It is a struggle between my head and my body, every day, and is quite specifically tied into the tendency that I mentioned above. So again, I give myself permission to skip a workout here and there, take a break, and remain in tune with my body.
When it comes to staying young, a mind-lift beats a face-lift any day.
Marty Bucella
…I know that I can do anything I put my mind to. I am not too old, and maybe never will be.
Although my body may give me signals when I’ve done enough for one day, that doesn’t mean that I’m going to sit back, read a book and call it a day. No…not this girl.
If I decide to learn a new language, start a new business, purchase some real estate, learn a new sport…whatever the opportunity may be, I do not say to myself, “wait a minute, aren’t you too old for that?” Nope. That thought never crosses my mind.
Over the past 9 months or so I have created an online self development course for women in midlife. It has been a huge undertaking of time and money, as I invested in an in-depth course to learn how to create an online course. Got that? 🙂
I taught myself how to use PowerPoint, how to create videos, and how to record my voice so that it sounded interesting when students listened to it. And, I was running my business and preparing to move across the country at the same time.
So no…I don’t think of myself as too old to learn anything new!
I hope I’m still blogging, walking several miles a day, playing golf, and enjoying life when I’m in my 80’s and beyond. Why not?!
…I know that grandchildren are a gift from God.
I remember when friends used to say to me, “aren’t you anxious for grand kids?” I really wasn’t even thinking about it. I figured that when, and if, my kids were ready to procreate they would do it, and if not, okay by me.
Well, ask me today and what will I say? My grandchildren are beautiful little people and I love them dearly. When I lived 1,100 miles away from them it was a long distance relationship more often than not. But I loved them just the same whether we were together or using Skype, Instagram, Facebook or talking on the phone.
My decision to relocate was heavily influenced by the fact that I was so far away from my family. Now, I have the joy of living within a short drive of all of the family and being a Nana to the grand kids quite often!
It is such a miracle to me when I look at them, knowing that there is a part of me that contributed to their life and who they are as individuals. Whether biological or parenting perspectives, I have had a role in their little lives. How cool is that!
I thank the Lord every single day for my grand kids.
There’s always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don’t hurt.
unknown author
…I know that how much stuff you have, and how much it cost, really doesn’t matter.
Do I want to live a comfortable life? Of course. But I know that for me, I don’t have to have to biggest, best and/or most expensive you-fill-in-the-blank. It is just not that important. The phrase ‘you can’t take it with you’ is, ultimately, absolutely true.
I work with some clients in my design business who fret, stress and lose sleep over the paint color on their walls. Is it important to enjoy the decor and color palette in your home? For many of us, yes it is. But is it the end of the world if the wall color isn’t perfect? Not in my world. It’s only paint.
Don’t get me wrong. I love my home and how it is decorated. It is my haven and refuge. It is a reflection of me and what I enjoy. But it’s simple, with furniture that I hand selected but didn’t pay a lot of money for. So yes, I love my home. But it’s just stuff.
I know that in life there are no guarantees, very few absolutes, and that we are not promised tomorrow. These 5 things I’ve learned about life in my 60’s tell me that every day. And I’m okay with it. Life is good.
There is no old age. There is, as there always was, just you.
Carol Matthau
Great tips and I love your attitude Candi. I’m giving a talk next week at a High Tea all about having an Ageless Attitude! We are definitely on the same page. Don’t forget to link this up at our Midlife Share the Love Party it is live now!
Thank you Sue! I’m sure your talk next week will be filled with words of wisdom, as I read so often in your posts. Thanks for the reminder for Share the Love…I’ll stop by there soon!
You’re so right about all these things Candi – especially about not letting “stuff” take over your life. I find that the older I get, the less I care about competing with other people. What works for them is great, but I don’t have strive for the same things. I love my home, I’ve done some travel, I earn enough to be content – I don’t need to always be chasing after more. And you’re also right about grandkids – they’re definitely an unexpected gift that I enjoy every chance I get.
Thanks for linking up with us at #MLSTL and I’ve shared this on my SM xx
Leanne | http://www.crestingthehill.com.au
Thanks for your comments, Leanne, and also for sharing!
Hi Candi, I’m just a couple of years behind you and sometimes it really bothers me (especially when I look in the mirror). This was a great, inspirational article; I’m going to reread it regularly. Thank you.
Hi Rosemary, I’m so glad you found my thoughts helpful!
This is good stuff. Don’t you wish you could go back and tell your younger self about what life is like now? I try to make every day count too. There is a sense that comes with age that we don’t have forever so we have to get moving now! #MLSTL
Yes, we would be so much wiser at a younger age, wouldn’t we? Thanks so much for stopping by, Michele!
Came over from MLSTL. I adore the quote about wrinkles not hurting! LOL. Your attitude towards living is very inspirational. I’m just beginning to get the body twinges and twangs, so it’s nice to hear I should pay attention, but to also to carry on! A good balance to keep in mind.
Yes, I got quite a chuckle out of that quote myself! Thanks so much for stopping by and having a read, Pat
Hi there! I jumped over from #MLSTL and really enjoyed your post. At 62, I’m in agreement with all of your points (I don’t have children or grandchildren, though) and am thoroughly enjoying this time of my life.
Thanks Janis, I’m glad you can relate to my perspective!
Yes my 65 years flew by! And now it is our time. Liberating and sobering together. Let’s keep going outside, staying fit, and learning new things. Your post is a lovely tribute to the reality of aging.
Thank you Verla! I agree, it is our time now. 🙂
I am always surprised now that I am 67 how fast time does pass. Being comfortable is so important at this stage not accumulating more things.
I agree Victoria, time passes more quickly than ever now. I want to enjoy every day!
Hi Candi thanks for linking up this inspiring post at Midlife Share the Love Party. Have a great week and see you next week! #MLSTL Sharing on Social Media xx
Always appreciate the invite, Sue. Thanks!
Lovely article, Candi!! I agree on every count!
I was recently whining to a daughter, after 2 weeks of hard physical work, how exhausted I was. She had a smart reply so I whined some more – that this old woman obviously wasn’t going to get any sympathy from her. Her reply: If you want to be treated like an old woman, you’ll have to start acting like one. Reality check! 🙂 Thank you for great reminders!
Thank Agnes, I think I’ll keep acting as young as I can for awhile! Thanks for stopping by!
Great lessons Candi. I am in my mid-50s and coming to many of the same conclusions. Life is good–not what I expected when I was young–but good. Have a lovely day!
Thanks for stopping by, Christie!
I agree with your list Candi and time is the main thing for me. Since I’ve retired it just goes so quickly!! Life is good and we’re lucky to get to enjoy it as we do.
Yes, I think as time goes by the days fly by even more quickly! I feel very blessed to be able to enjoy each day as it comes.
Great tips – and such an ageless attitude. I’m in my early 50s and am coming to similar conclusions – but I also feel as though I’m loving life more than I did when I was younger. Thanks for linking up. #teamlovinlife
Thanks, Candi, for sharing your wisdom. Have a great day!
Thank you for stopping by to read my post, Natalie!
Great tips and attitude Candi. I’m turning 54 at the end of this month so a bit behind you but have to agree – the older I get, the quicker time seems to go by! #TeamLovinLife
Yes, it flies by! Seems like I was in my 30’s and 40’s a few years ago. But I am happy to be where I am in life now. Thanks for stopping by!
Candi. thank you for your wise words about age and ageing. Life is good.
SSG xxx
Yes, life is good. I am thankful every day!
All so true Candi, there is so much to be grateful for in one’s 60s and as you say a few things that we realise are really not that important. I was just sitting in our loungeroom saying how much I love it; sure at one end here are boxes still to be unpacked but they will get done, I choose to focus on the rest of it, it’s more than good enough for the moment.
Yes, enjoy the moment and don’t worry about the small stuff! Thanks for stopping by, Jan.
Oh I just loved your final quote : There is no old age. There is, as there always was, just you. Like you I find that growing older is often dictated by societal ideas of how we should act or age and not by how we feel and how much we can actually still get done and achieve – even if we do feel like flopping down and reading a book some days!
I was really moved by that quote, too. We’re still who we are, no matter our age!
I love your style Candi. I’m 61 and have exactly the same mindset as you. I’m not prepared to give in to old age. I will be fighting it for as long as I’m able. Thanks for sharing this. #TeamLovinLife
Thanks so much for stopping by, Kathy!
Love your quote “there is no old age …” That’s perfect,
Thanks Leanne, I love that quote, too 🙂
I love your attitude…you will feel the same about life as you grow older in years. I know. I am 76. )
Great tips! I love how joyful and grateful you seem for every part of your life. This is very inspirational!
Thank you so much, Amey, I’m glad you found it an inspiration. 🙂