A journey of wisdom, reflection, and new adventures
Embracing Sixty: A journey of wisdom, reflection, and new adventures
It’s the week of my milestone birthday, and some of my team members asked me to share some words of wisdom.
As I write this, I’m wondering how old all my readers are right now and what your experiences have been like when you hit one of those significant birthdays ending with a zero.
For me, turning 60 feels like a unique intersection between a well-lived life and the promise of new adventures.
As I reflect on my life personally and professionally, the time does seem to have flown by. There are so many highs, lows, and in-betweens, and they have all taught me something.
Although the lessons often showed up long after the event, I know that every triumph, setback, laugh, and tear has shaped me into the imperfect but eager-to-learn person I am today.
Turning 60 feels a little strange to me because it looks like a significant number, but in many ways, I am just waking up to things, and I feel like I still have more to learn than to share.
My favourite thing about aging so far
As I accumulate life experience (and more birthday candles!), the world around me feels like it is slowing down.
Imagine it as a board game—a mysterious, often confusing game that moves quickly. But as we age, the rules become more apparent, and we can see the right moves sooner. We understand our opponents better, anticipate their moves quickly, and even gain insight into our reactions in various situations.
It’s not about winning so much as it is about enjoying the game because you have been paying attention and learning as you go.
Looking toward the future
As grateful as I am about what the past has taught me, I am equally energized about the future. I want to learn more about myself and others, how to help more, ease more pain, live, laugh, learn, and love with purpose and ease.
Professionally, I don’t feel any sense of need or desire to slow down. In many ways, I feel like I am just hitting my stride. In the years ahead, I want to do better work, more meaningfully and humanely.
I am excited to continue building better and stronger relationships with all my loved ones and friends.
As I sail through the uncharted waters of the years ahead, I’ll be relying on some guiding principles as my compass:
Embrace Change: Life is an ever-evolving journey filled with surprises. Embrace change with an open heart and a curious mind. Change can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it is an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Cultivate Gratitude: Each day, pause to count your blessings – unexpected moments of amazement, small victories, your friends and family. Acknowledging and appreciating the abundance in your life is a pathway to future joy and contentment.
Nurture Relationships: Life is better together. So, invest time and energy in nurturing meaningful connections with family and friends. Cherish the bonds that enrich your life and bring you fulfillment and happiness.
Pursue Passions: Whether it’s chasing sunsets in the South Pacific, learning a new language, or immersing yourself in a new hobby, never stop feeding your soul.
Prioritize Self-Care: Life can sometimes be a grind, so be sure to take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Make self-care a priority, and remember that it’s never too late to start prioritizing your health and wellness.
Leave a Legacy: As you write your life’s story, reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. Whether through acts of kindness, contributions to your community, or sharing your wisdom with future generations, strive to impact the world positively.
Feel free to explore these ideas further or tailor them to your life journey!