28 In Fabulous over Fifty/ Health Lifestyle Choices

Embracing the Gift of Aging

Embracing the Gift of Aging: Living Each Day with Abundance, Gratitude, and a Dash of Humour

I’m just gonna go ahead and say it. It’s my birthday, and I am going to party like you’ve never seen… and by party, I mean watch a good rom-com and hit the hay by 9:00! Who knew living on the edge could be so comfy?

Am I the only person who gets all nostalgic around their birthday? I always give thought to where the past year brought me. What have I accomplished? What’s next?

This past year for me has been amazing. Everyone is healthy!!! 😅 We moved from our Corner House to our new digs—a completely different vibe that I am loving. So laid back and cozy, like Tank  in a sunbeam. I’m writing a book for a friend who survived a life-altering accident, and I have three children’s books in the works. On top of that, I’ve been a regular monthly contributor to a magazine in Florida. All while trying so hard to stay on top of this blog—no small feat, let me tell you.

My blog has been “noticed” (fancy, right?). I’m being asked to do product reviews, which is just a fancy way of saying I’m officially a professional opinion-haver. Meanwhile, I’m still decorating this house with DIY projects—who needs a gym membership when you have a paintbrush and a ladder? amiright?

Having said that, I am proud of what I am accomplishing. It feels good to see the fruits of my labor, even if those fruits occasionally look like mismatched socks and forgotten cups of coffee. Some days are harder than others to stay focused while maintaining friendships and doing what’s most important—being a good great wife and mom. 😉

So here’s to another year of embracing the chaos, celebrating the small victories, and finding joy in the journey. Cheers to being 61 feeling fine and fabulous!

As I celebrate my 61st birthday tomorrow  today, I’m filled with a mix of reflection, anticipation, and the inevitable, “Where did I put my glasses this time?” If I am fortunate enough to live until I am 90, that’s three more decades—or roughly 10,950 days—to cherish, explore, and savour. Each of these days holds the potential for joy, discovery, and growth. Embracing the gift of aging and living each day to its fullest with an abundance of gratitude (and a good sense of humour) has become my guiding philosophy.

The Beauty of Aging

Aging is often viewed through a lens of loss: the loss of youth, the decline of physical abilities, and the passing of time. That sounds pretty shitty does’t it? 😂 But let’s face it—who really misses the days of awkward teenage acne and cringe-worthy fashion choices? I choose to see aging as a process of gaining
and not just a couple of pounds here and there.  We gain wisdom, perspective, and a deeper appreciation for the small moments that make life extraordinary. Plus, there’s the added bonus of getting away with saying exactly what we think. “Oh, that’s just Nana being Nana.”

Living Each Day Fully

Living each day to its fullest doesn’t mean you have to do something huge or out-of-this-world. It’s about enjoying and finding meaning in the little things every day. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Mindfulness: Be present in the moment. Whether you’re enjoying a cup of coffee, taking a walk, or spending time with loved ones, immerse yourself fully in the experience. Notice the details—the aroma of the coffee, the feel of the ground beneath your feet, the sound of laughter. And if you forget where you parked the car, enjoy the extra exercise
or in Steve’s case he forgot which unit we live in 😂

2. Connection: Prioritize relationships. Nurture connections with family and friends. Make time for meaningful conversations and shared experiences. These relationships are the threads that weave the fabric of a fulfilling life. Plus, who else will you reminisce with about the good old days when phones had cords?

3. Growth: Continue to learn and grow. Challenge yourself with new experiences, whether it’s reading a book outside your usual genre, learning a new skill, or traveling to a place you’ve never been. Growth keeps the mind sharp and the spirit youthful. Remember, it’s never too late to be the oldest person in the yoga class even if you ARE the teacher.

4. Purpose: Engage in activities that give you a sense of purpose. Whether it’s volunteering, pursuing a hobby, mentoring others or even starting a new business (more on that later 😉). Having a purpose can provide a sense of direction and fulfillment. And let’s be honest, it’s a great excuse to get out of emptying the dishwasher.

My friend Marion took up painting as a new hobby this year at 84!! How pretty is this?

Looking Forward

As I step into this new year of life, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the journey so far and excitement for the days ahead. Each day is a precious gift, an opportunity to live with intention, embrace new experiences, and cultivate deeper connections. And, of course, to laugh a little more at the absurdity of it all.

To everyone reading this, no matter your age, I encourage you to live each day fully and embrace the beauty of aging with an open heart, a grateful spirit, and a healthy dose of humor. Here’s to the next 10,950-ish days and beyond—may they be filled with abundance, joy, and plenty of shenanigans 😜

I love hearing from you
so hit me with a comment or send me an email. Don’t forget to enter your email address into  the ‘subscribe’ box so you don’t miss future posts.

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28 Comments

  • Reply
    Diane Regan
    July 21, 2024 at 6:16 AM

    Happy Birthday Marion, Cheers to Many More đŸ„‚đŸ„‚!!

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 21, 2024 at 7:31 AM

      Thanks Diane. 😘

  • Reply
    Fran
    July 21, 2024 at 8:02 AM

    What a great birthday post Marion. Happy birthday to you. Enjoy every single one of those 10,000-ish days 😉

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:55 AM

      Thanks Fran! That’s the plan!

  • Reply
    Carol.
    July 21, 2024 at 8:04 AM

    Wow! I just love the way you write! You are truly an inspiration. Happy birthday to you. Keep on being you and PLEASE keep on writing this blog! I love when I see it in my in box.

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:55 AM

      Such a nice message Carol. Thank you so much. I hope you have a wonderful day.

  • Reply
    Sarah
    July 21, 2024 at 8:07 AM

    Happy birthday Miss Savvy Snowbird. Well, i have never thought of doing that. Counting (approximately) how many days I have left to live my life on this earth. It certainly makes one sit back and take notice doesn’t it? I don’t have quite as many days as you but I will celebrate each and every one of them. Thanks so much for making me more aware of how precious our time is. Happiest of birthdays to you.

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:54 AM

      Thanks Sarah. Ya
putting a number to the days puts it into a whole new light doesn’t it? LOL.
      Thanks for stopping in to say hello. Have a great day.

  • Reply
    Marnie Crompton
    July 21, 2024 at 8:18 AM

    Happy Birthday Marion! I do enjoy your blog posts. Glad everyone is doing well!

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:53 AM

      Hello Miss Marnie!!! Thanks for stopping in. We are all doing great. Say hi to Jamie for me. I hope you guys and the kids are doing awesome too. 😘

  • Reply
    Dale
    July 21, 2024 at 8:25 AM

    It’s shocking how quickly those days go by! Congratulations on your day. Wishing you many more happy, healthy ones!

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:52 AM

      THank you so much Dale. Have a great day 😘

  • Reply
    Betty King
    July 21, 2024 at 9:04 AM

    Happy Birthday to fabulous you!! You have a gift for the written word. Looking forward to reading more BBMA

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:51 AM

      Thanks, thanks Ma!!!!

  • Reply
    Mary Lynn
    July 21, 2024 at 9:19 AM

    Aging is an experience that’s for sure. Enjoy every day like it’s your last. We have a lot to be grateful for and lots of memories.
    Happy birthday Marion- you look fabulous. xo

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:51 AM

      Awwww
thanks so much ML and so do you!!
      Have a great week ahead.

  • Reply
    Marion
    July 21, 2024 at 12:35 PM

    Happy Birthday M. Soak it up🎉🎂. You’re an awesome woman😎
    Glad you enjoy the painting
I’m sure enjoying my newest hobby. It’s quite addictive to see what the flow of water and colours do with a little guidance.
    Totally agree that a sense of humour is vital to aging. Hugs
    m

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:50 AM

      I think Im awesome bc of the name!! LOL All Mare’s are! 😂
      I am so inspired by your new hobby. You must have some artsy background. Your paintings are beautiful and I am grateful that you allowed me to share one on my blog. I might have to come for a lesson
do you serve wine? 😘

  • Reply
    Ellie Mae
    July 21, 2024 at 1:27 PM

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARION 🎂 Cheers to many more Hounds and Scones Days. Licks & wags, Ellie Mae đŸŸđŸ„‚âŁïž

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:47 AM

      Oh,indeed!!! 😘 Scones for the win!!! 😂

  • Reply
    Joan Livermore
    July 21, 2024 at 2:14 PM

    Happiest of birthdays Marion!
    As ever, I am so impressed with your enthusiasm , clever writing ability and many other accomplishments !

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:46 AM

      Thank you so much Joan.

  • Reply
    Debra MacRae
    July 21, 2024 at 4:56 PM

    Happy Birthday Marion đŸ€—đŸŽ‚

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:45 AM

      Thanks so much Deb 😚

  • Reply
    Susan Sgro
    July 21, 2024 at 10:05 PM

    Happy happy birthday !!! You are embracing life to the fullest 
. You’ve given me lots of food for thought. ❀

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 22, 2024 at 7:45 AM

      Thanks Sue. 😘

  • Reply
    Val Cater
    July 23, 2024 at 10:25 AM

    Wonderful and happiest of birthdays Mare! ❀ Well written testament to the joys of living life to its fullest! Being happy and enjoying every moment like it could be your last is everything. You are a prime example of that my special birthday friend! Cheers and hope you partied hard
 LOL!

    • Reply
      Marion
      July 24, 2024 at 6:52 AM

      Partied the night away
.till 9:00 PM!! 😂
      I AM looking forward to partying with you on Friday night though!!
      Thank you for the sweet message Val. Luv you lots girlfriend. 😚

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