I celebrated my 70th birthday in June and honestly it was not what I expected. I didn’t expect a major change in any particular way, but it was the most reflective birthday I can remember.
My focus wasn’t how old I looked but how young I felt. I’ve always believed age was a mindset, no matter how many wrinkles or gray hair I got but this was different.
Not only was I not focused on how I looked, I embraced it. Maybe that’s part of the positive mindset we need to feel good at any age.
I felt more appreciative. I was truly surprised at how I felt that day. There was something about the number 70 that for the first time “sounded” old.
But I don’t feel old, and I think that’s what really matters.
I appreciate my health more than I ever have. I know that sounds cliche but it’s true. I have had cancer and several other age-related issues but when I look around, it is easy to see I still have a lot to be grateful for.
I appreciate still having hair – even the gray. I appreciate being able to walk without a limp after having such a badly broken leg.
I appreciate still being able to wear high heels even if they aren’t spikes. I appreciate my teeth, even the ones that have crowns on them now because I chew hard candies.
I appreciate being comfortable with who I am, but I still try to do the best I can with what I have to work with. I think feeling good about myself makes me feel better in general.
Up to this point, I haven’t yet had a face lift or neck lift, no fillers or Botox and I’m still wearing my hair like I did in high school. Are procedures and changes in my future? I never say never.
I keep thinking when I can’t just paint and patch things together, I might try bigger things. This just might be the year and if it is, I’ll share every gritty detail.
Until then, I’m going to enjoy my new found appreciations, and my small physical blessings. I’ll continue living every moment for the things that really matter, the blessing of having wonderful family and friends and hopefully for many more birthdays.
