Appreciating Where You Are in Life

Last year I turned 60! At the time of my birthday, I kept thinking that 60 sounded very old and that I had more years behind me than I did in front of me. It was a scary and depressing thought. The world was still unsettled due to Corona Virus and life completely took a detour. There was a lot of down time to think and reflect about what was important in life.

I experienced a lot of stress and loss during Covid. My mom passed away, I had to close down my business, and my finances were draining due to the closure of my store. It was a challenging couple of years but I survived. Although I was grieving, I put the time to good use. I got my Personal Training and Nutrition Specialist certifications, and was able to work at a small outdoor gym using my newly acquired skills. I still didn’t know what the future held, but I was grateful to have some type of work in a field I enjoyed.

I realized how lucky I was even with all the loss I had experienced. I had good health, a great dog, lived in a beautiful place overlooking the water, and had the support of wonderful, caring friends and family. All in all, I was lucky even though the world was in chaos and I was officially a senior citizen!

When I started to think about the choices I made to get me where I am now, I knew that I wouldn’t change a thing. Youth certainly has its appeal (no wrinkles, lots of energy, more flexibility in your body) but being middle aged is better. I definitely would not want to repeat my high school years or even my 20’s. I like the wisdom, calmness, confidence and clarity I have attained over the years.

I really appreciate knowing who I am. I feel like I accomplished more in my 50’s than I had at any other time during my life. My 60’s will open a new chapter and I look forward to where it will lead me. I can appreciate what I’ve done in my past but look forward to the goals I still want to pursue.

So, if you find yourself complaining about your current life and wishing for “the good old days”, you need to switch gears and change your paradigm. Remember that you are exactly where you are supposed to be at this moment in time so enjoy it. If you are not happy with your current situation, make some changes that will bring more positive energy into your life. You can look back at the good times you had in the past, but don’t forget to appreciate and honor where you are right now and look forward to the wonderful times ahead!