I wrote this text on April 1, 2024, my 70th birthday! It has taken me 70 years to simply accept that I’m this age, and viola, I’m right here!
I inform myself that 70 is the brand new 50, however who cares? We've all heard that “age is only a quantity,” however that's unsuitable. Age is way more than a quantity; It's angle, gratitude, and arduous work, and it's price celebrating!
Immediately I really feel honored as a result of I’ve mates in all elements of my life who won’t ever be 70 years previous, and I don't should be this age any greater than they do. So the mission for all of us stays the identical however with larger fervor: reside day-after-day, study day-after-day, recognize day-after-day, love day-after-day, look within the mirror and recognize that nice thoughts of yours. And say “thanks.”
At 70, you're not over the hill; You’re merely having fun with the view from a better altitude, and it’s fabulous! At 70 years previous, many mountains have been climbed and we deserve each panorama that comes our method. What you shouldn’t do is stagnate: age 70 begins our “period of appreciation.” If you happen to don't have a bucket listing, make one after which benefit from the expertise. I add to my listing once I hear and examine new locations and experiences. It's known as protecting an open thoughts and remaining susceptible.
At this age we perceive that life won’t final ceaselessly. Demise, like taxes, can’t be prevented, however that doesn’t imply it is best to settle for it with crossed arms. Each tax season, I overview all my accounts to see how properly I did final yr and the way a lot I can write off. The one option to “cheat loss of life” is to reside day-after-day doing what you need to do. My answer is to make gratitude a behavior. All of us have dangerous days, however as little orphan Annie sings, 🎶 “tomorrow, tomorrow, there may be at all times a tomorrow, solely someday left.”
Being susceptible permits us to really feel true ache and true pleasure. Nobody desires ache, however in the event you don't let it in, you’ll by no means really feel the enjoyment of a really completely satisfied expertise. With each fabulous expertise or success, it’s evident that the pains of the previous had been price it! You hug them! Each failure is solely a brand new path to success and sure, it isn’t at all times a simple path, but when it had been straightforward, everybody could be there!
Embrace your years, have a good time successes massive and small, and reside understanding that you’re blessed with gratitude as your default setting. To be clear, I’m nonetheless open-minded to Botox and facelifts…. They don't take something away from me to be ok with my life and what awaits me! FORWARD!
About H. Frances Reaves, Esq.
An property planning and Medicaid lawyer, Frances started her authorized profession as a litigator and lobbyist. After 15 years in Maryland politics, she returned to Key Biscayne and based Mum or dad Your Mother and father, a senior advocacy group.
She was impressed by her mother and father' wrestle with the “bureaucratic senior system” and realized she wanted assist. When you’ve got any questions or feedback, please contact her at hfrancesr@parentyourparents.com or 786-418-3303.
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