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 😜

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