Today is my birthday. I am 59-years-old. That’s one year from 60 for those of you with less than stellar math skills. Dear Lord in heaven, how did that happen? The 60 part, not your math skills.
It’s crazy this aging thing. The part that nobody mentioned (all those OLD people like my mom and dad) is that age 58 is not that different than age 28 except that all those little kids you had then are now grown up and starting to talk about having kids of their own. How come nobody mentioned that? I thought I would feel so different at this ripe old age, but I truly don’t. Maybe I’m lucky, but though the mirror tells a different story, my body doesn’t feel that different either. Okay, I might feel more like 34 than 28, but that’s about it and I might mention that I felt great at 34. So, what are the changes that age brings?
Okay, I’m thinking while I write so don’t expect anything too profound…
Age brings to me:
1) A greater comfort level with who I am. Meaning, I am now more comfortable with just being this very imperfect me. That’s a big one, by the way.
2) A greater acceptance and appreciation of my beloved husband, Ray, and his imperfect ways. He says that I am “easier” than I used to be, that I laugh a lot more often and I don’t get mad quite as much. I would say the same for him. This is a second big one since we used to fight like banshees.
3) A greater appreciation of these wonderful creatures called my children. How could any mother feel more proud of her chicks than I do? I can’t imagine. I now have the luxury of seeing them in their adult selves and they are each so unique and wonderful. For this I am deeply grateful, by the way.
4) A greater awareness that there are no guarantees in life. Big changes can happen in an instant, or else come slow, but sure, and nobody is immune. That nobody includes ME, in capital letters.
5) A greater appreciation for my beloved extended family and friends. As the years pass, I see that those long-term relationships are the sustenance of life.
6) A growing appreciation for my spiritual side. I can see how this aspect of my life will help me get through difficult times to come.
7) A deep appreciation for nature. How critical this is to my happiness!
8) A growing appreciation for the arts. How these enrich our lives in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I was younger.
9) A deep-seated love for animals. Yes, I am thinking of Cordelia, my corgie, here.
10) An awareness that the time is now and there aren’t necessarily years and years to come. This is good since it helps me to move on with those things I’ve been waiting until I had more time to do.
My grandmother said that her favorite time of life was between 60 – 70 because she had nothing else to prove and she could do what she damn well pleased. I am only one year from 60. All of a sudden that seems like a good thing, particularly if Grandma is right!
20 Minutes a Day 
Thank you for the positive insights. Chronologically speaking, I am not far behind.
Excellent post, as always!
Thanks so much!
Len, I think I’m going to start applying your grandmother’s advice today, rather than 30 years from now! Happy belated birthday friend. I hope it was beautiful!
Yes, start today, Jared. No need to wait until you’re 60! I did have a wonderful birthday. Thanks!
Grandma was right says this soon-to-be 73-year-old. My insides haven’t changed, just the outside. Finally knowing who one is, and actually liking who one is, makes this age the best one yet.
Wonderful to hear, Pat. I see that you live the life you want and I love having that as a model for these upcoming years.
Happy Birthday Len!
There was a fine gal named Len L
Her words are crisp and clear as a bell
She spends so much time
Writing works so sublime
That the reader falls under her spell!
Love ya Len!
Marcy
Hey, Marcy. I love that poem! Thanks so much. Good to hear from you.
Great insights. Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Thanks so much! Yes, my birthday was lovely.
I really like this Len
Thanks so much, Renee!
I really like this. Aging has so many conflicts. In so many ways we feel more assured and self realized and in other ways some of us feel it’s time to slow down–and just when we know what we want to do with our lives. I never found 30, 40 or 50 a problem. When I turned 60 it was hard to swallow especially since I don’t feel my age–now 62. I guess it’s all inour heads and in my head I’m about 40–that was a good growth decade for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and happy birthday.
It’s true, aging does have many conflicts. That question: what to do with the rest of our lives is a big one.
Len, I loved your article on “10 things age has brought me since I turned 59.” I’m right behind you, I’m 58 years old and I agree with everything you said. You are a eloquent writer, you get to the point, you write fearlessly. I remember my parents at our ages now, my grandparents at our ages now and somehow they looked a lot older. But I know my grandmother lived to be 90 and she moved through life with great determination and a spirituality that was envious. I know our generation is pushing a ceiling that will possibly stand only for our generation. I don’t think the next generation will have our stamina. They want things now and are not willing to do the work and work their way up. I’ve been reading your articles. They are a very interesting take on the things that are going on today. Thank you for your writing. I enjoy your work. It is part of my week.
Thanks so much, Kathy. I appreciate that positive feedback. Sounds like you had a fabulous grandmother! Thanks for reading!
Great post! You captured the ageing ‘blessings’ just right. Been there, done that. You’re absolutely right: funny how we feel younger than we are. At least so far. Thanks the Lord.
Glad this struck a chord. I would love to know your name. I feel as if we’re getting to know each other!
happy day to you. and i do feel the same nothing to prove. just sweetness of life and Grandchildren heavenly.
Thanks, Jeannine. One of these days, I hope to get those grandchildren. I’m glad to hear your life is so happy!