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60 on My Mind

In (almost) literally two months I will be sixty. It's been on my mind for the last few months and whenever I look at my profile and see the words "fifty something" the thought in mind has been "not for long." I've been drifting into the harbor of sixty slowly, but it seems the boat is now moving faster, a little too fast for my liking, to the pier. Last week in Montana K was sweet and generous for my birthday -- and what a lovely time celebrating together -- and I just spoke to my high school friend, Sue, who will be coming to visit in two weeks for my birthday.

Sixty -- or the thought of sixty -- makes me nervous. I feel age and its potential limitations looming before me and all of my free floating worry springs up. Of course nothing changes immediately at sixty, as nothing changed immediately at thirty or forty or fifty. But somehow it seems more monumental than the previous major birthdays. The upbeat Buttercup part of me pushes the anxiety away to focus on the time of fun and celebration with those who are dear to me. But the Stinkweed part is intruding, pushing anxious thoughts into my mind too often.

I could use any advice, dear friends, that you can offer. How was it to turn 60? Any tips for transitioning to a new decade? I'd like your thoughts as well on retirement, career, looking for a new job. As the song said "I get by with a little help from my friends," and it's as true now as when we were young.

11 comments

k and c's mom said...

I have no wisdom for you (yet), but I sure hope that Birthday is a Happy One for you! Seems like you are living life with gusto right now.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

60 did seem monumental for me. I really didn't feel older like you say right away it is just the idea that suddenly I was a senior citizen. The state of Ohio sends out a golden buckeye card to everyone that reaches 60. I really never thought of myself as a senior citizen before that. I have slowed down a bit but have enjoyed the best of health. I was ready to retire although many are now working til 70. I wanted the free time to do some things just for me before I got to old to enjoy it so I retired on what Social Security I get. Thankfully my bills are few so I don't need much to live on either. I love being 66 and retired. It is such a great feeling of accomplishment and relief too! I think 60 is was a wonderful age and 66 is even better.

West Side of Straight said...

60 is just a number! As long as you feel good don't dwell on your age. I'm having a great time at this age. Retired now and love doing what I want, when I want, and who I want to do something with!!!!!

Barbara Blundell said...

Hi Buttercp
The 60s were great ! 70s better still. Cant wait for 80s next year !
Just enjoy every day !

Jemi Fraser said...

I agree with the others - it's just a number. Enjoy the days, make them count and the number won't be important at all :)

Country Whispers said...

Age is just a number.
Don't let it get you down.
You will be no different on your first day of being 60 than you were on your first last day of being 59.
It's just a number change...that's all.
Just take care of yourself and make the most of every minute....have FUN!

Andrea said...

My new precious friend, I will share wisdom I have gained from my beloved, Doug. He is 67 and says, "I am blessed with each new year..they all bring beauty of one kind or another...sometimes we just have to look for it. I have retired...expectantly, but it turned out to be a huge blessing. What I thought of with dread was GOD's gift!" I hope you don't mind my repeating Doug's words...I have heard him share these comments with several people, lately.

I pray GOD will bless your birthday in a fresh new way...and pour HIMSELF out to you and through you!

Big hugs, love, and lots of prayers,
andrea

Nancy M. said...

I've been worrying about turning 40, but like you said, nothing major changes on that particular day. We should just live each day to the fullest! And you already do!

Chatty Crone said...

You are just not going to believe this - four of us got together last week for lunch and we all talked about this very thing.

Two are turning 60 this year and I follow in a couple of years. I was going to blog about this myself.

40 - 50 not bad at all - but turning 60 is a whole new ballgame. It means you are not young anymore. And that the time forward is going to be less then the time we have spent.

So therefore - think turning 60 is better than the alternative - and then learn to live and enjoy - although I think you already do this.

Love,
sandie

Sheilagh said...

I turned 60 in March and I am loving it:o)
Something "clicked" in me in my birthday week, which was Fabulous. I had a fear that old age was looming, but it isn't. I am embracing every day and enjoying being me.
In a nutshell Being 60 has given me permission to be Finally Me!!

Hugs

Sheilagh

Ms Sparrow said...

I can say enthusiastically that the year I turned 60 was the best year of my life! My kids were all in good jobs and homeowners. My grandkids were all healthy and happy. As a family we had great times together over the summer. Things have changed since then, but when I look at pictures of the year 2000, it always makes me smile with happiness.