Last week I turned 60.
Maybe at different times, I would be upset that most of my life is over. However, amid the pandemic and civil unrest, this landmark birthday seems somewhat minor.
Instead, this turning point in my life seems like the perfect time to reflect and count my blessings. As they say, not everyone makes it to 60 and for that I am grateful. Being older, I know there are simple reasons to appreciate every day of life, even during this COVID outbreak.
Like what, you ask?
After a record hot summer with 146 days of 100+ temperatures this year, fall is finally here in the California desert where I live. Last week my husband and I sat outside on our patio. Mars shone brightly above us. We enjoyed a grilled steak dinner and listened to some romantic music.
These are the things that bring me joy.
Due to the pandemic, I almost missed my youngest granddaughter, Paige’s second year of life. She believes that she lives in a phone. Last week, we called my youngest son, Christopher, and his wife, Johnni, and I sounded upset. Paige grabbed the phone and looked at me with her big blue eyes and asked, “What happened Grandma?” She looked at me seriously, as if she was eager to listen, and really cared. And she has two. My heart swelled.
These are the things that bring me joy.
Throughout this pandemic, my friends have left little homemade gifts, sent flowers and cards, and provided much-needed support and love. My family lives across the street and always has a listening ear, ready to help me in any way. My other grandchildren live with me along with my oldest son, Jonathan, so thankfully I am not deprived of his company during this pandemic. River, my 9 year old granddaughter, proudly showed me how she is learning to skate with her new teal roller skates and matching helmet of hers. She described how she can only wear matching clothes. My 11-year-old grandson, Rowan, couldn’t wait to show me his tomato plants and a playground he built for his two parakeets out of sticks and other household materials.
These are the things that bring me joy.
So, this is the thing. Once you stop focusing on the fact that life goes by faster than you ever imagined and you mourn those extra wrinkles, you can find plenty of reasons to be happy that you’re 60. Although this has been a difficult year in many ways, I am looking for ways to stay calm, trust God, and focus on the positive.
After all, at 60, I know what matters. I fully realize the importance of my spiritual needs, relationships, my health, and being compassionate. I have weathered storms and I know I will survive. I appreciate a good laugh. I understand my priorities. I am more confident and comfortable in my own skin. In fact, I was not born yesterday and have gained invaluable wisdom along the way.
Also, turning 60 is liberating.
Last week, I was sitting on my patio with classical music from the 60s blaring on my headphones. Let’s face it, I was rocking, I mean, completely swinging my arms above my head, eyes closed. Well, maybe I had a glass of wine, and by the way, I really like to dance. Suddenly, I heard a noise at the door and I opened my eyes. It was the UPS man delivering a package with a big smile on his face.
In my younger years, I would have died of shame. But you know what? I didn’t even care. He put the package down and I closed my eyes and rocked.
That’s the beauty of being 60 years old.
