I am now 60 and ½! I’m not a toddler so I have no idea why I even noticed the ½ year point. 
A friend asked me what I’d learned in the last year about turning 60. That inspired me to write a few of my lessons learned, from the vantage point of 60½.
The bark of 60 is worse than its bite.
I confess I’m a worrier. Countless times in my life I’ve anticipated a future event with high anxiety. And countless times the event wasn’t as bad as I’d thought. In fact, it was often good, fine, or even wonderful.
From all this experience, you’d think I’d have learned to mistrust my worrying. But no, not really.
Case in point: approaching 60. I worried about, feared, and dreaded turning 60. Once I got through the knothole of my birthday, most of my worry, fear, and dread melted away. Once again, my anticipation was worse than my reality.
What about you? Maybe being 60 won’t be as bad as you think. It could just be fine!
The next post in this series is here, Turning 60: 5 Lessons Learned, #2 You Don’t Have to turn 60 On Your Own.
Thoughts? Click on Comments below and write away.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ll be turning 60 this month. I can’t believe I just admitted that for the entire internet to see. Here’s the way I look at it: I’ll be the youngest in my decade. That thought always gets me through the milestone birthdays. My 50′s have been fabulous, as long as I take good care of my health, I’m anticipating the same from during my 60′s.
I love that we can go through this together! And, I totally agree that the bark was worse than the bite. My goal is to continue living life “big”, enjoying, laughing, working, crying just as hard as I have been all along. My worry was that going over that number (60) would somehow change all that…what’s really cool is that it doesn’t have to! We have that power in ourselves to choose a more positive outlook. We can continue with “big” lives and maybe get even “bigger”! However, after getting on the scale this morning, “bigness” is not my goal with weight! Turning 60 for me was a kind of wake-up call to be here, to be grateful, and to just be happy in my life. Thanks again and again for honoring the struggle but shining a light on the reality of hope and expectation for what comes next. ~Kathy
I turned 61 earlier this year, and I don’t feel any different than I did at 51 or 41. I may move a little slower, and my brain doesn’t always work as fast as it once did. But I’m still here, alive and kicking (just not as high!) I try to keep a positive outlook, be kind to everyone, and do what I can to improve my little corner of the world.
Hi, Donna! Thanks for adding your comments.
“Just admitted for the entire internet to see” — I hear you! Imagine having a business named “Savoring Your Sixties!” And an email address with that. Not much chance for to hide your age then.
My 50s were fabulous too, and I think you’re right on that taking care of our health can make our 60s fabulous, too.
Hi, Kathy! Thanks so much for your comments. As I read them, I was saying to myself, “yes” and “yes” and “yes.” I’m glad you’re focusing on being grateful and happy. That’s a wonderful way to live. And thank you for “honoring the struggle but shining a light on the reality of hope and expectation for what comes next.” This makes me feel seen and appreciated and that’s very nice.
Hi, Ruth! Thanks for adding your comments here. I always appreciate your wisdom and perspective.
“I try to keep a positive outlook, be kind to everyone, and do what I can to improve my little corner of the world.” That’s a great philosophy for living in a nutshell!
I love this blog idea and will follow it. I turned 61 a week ago. The only difference I see is that I have a few grey hairs this year and I worry more about health issues. I have always been very healthy, no meds to speak of but my doc and her staff seem to be fussing about everything and speaking to me as though I am beginning to dotter, which I am not. So I worry that maybe I will GET a health problem. The stress will no doubt make that come true.
I am what I am and I like being that. I don’t see myself much different. I don’t feel much different. My value as a working writer has increased because I know what a lot of the world is about. Thanks for this collection of ideas.
Hi, Maryan! Thanks for stopping by and adding to the conversation. I’m glad you love the blog & look forward to hearing more from you.
Nice that you’re healthy, like who you are, and don’t feel or see yourself much differently. The more after 60 positive role models we have, the better!