One morning this February, I woke up anxious. Once again.
I’d been doing this many mornings in the preceding 2 years. I’d had no idea what was bothering me. My life was good. Great, in fact.
But morning after morning, the anxiety arose from sleep as soon as I did.
That February morning, though, I finally realized what it was.
I would be turning 60 in November. And, for the first time in my life, I was bothered about my age.
Sixty was old to me. I didn’t want to be old.
I had a lot of negative connotations for “sixty” and “old.” After all, I am a product of this culture which so abhors aging. I didn’t want to see myself this way or to have others see me this way.
I was so bothered about this that I spent a few moments wondering how I could hide my age – something I’d found ridiculous when others did. This thought of hiding was so unlike me I knew something significant was going on. And that somehow I’d have to deal with it.
That morning was a turning point for me.
I began to face and talk about my thoughts, worries, concerns, fears, and stories about being 60.
Am I completely at peace with 60? Not yet. And I am definitely on a much better path to peace and joy at 60 and beyond.
One bonus . . . . Although I didn’t know it way back in February, all this turmoil about 60 would be the seed for my new business. Now that is fun!
What’s your experience been with this? Click on Comments, scroll down to the form, and write away.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
There are moments when I hate being 60: when I see all the deep wrinkles on my face; when I realize that contact lenses aren’t quite doing it for me any more and wearing glasses is the next step; when I realize my firstborn will be 37 this year. But, on the other hand, I have so much more wisdom and knowledge now; I can say and do pretty much what I want (within limits, of course!); and I get more respect as an ‘elder’. I mostly don’t ‘feel’ 60; physically and mentally I’m not quite as agile as I used to be; but I have learned to accept that I have to change how I do things. And I think what you are doing is wonderful! We need more role models of what life after 60 can be instead of what society says it should be. Go, Bonnie!
Ruth, I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who has her “moments” re 60. I also appreciate you sharing your perspective re the other side, the half full part of the glass. Thanks for your encouragement. Part of my dream for this site is it will offer women role models to inspire & excite us about life after 60. It has helped me to seek out & pay attention to the women who are living well in their 60s and I want to share these kinds of stories with other women.