This year in September, I will have my 60th birthday. I find myself saying “I’m going to be 60 soon” quite often lately! It’s funny because I have never thought much about my age and still don’t but notice I keep saying this.
Being that I am all about unraveling the stories we tell ourselves, I thought I would think about it for a hot sec. Am I saying it because I think I’m a hot shit and doing great at almost 60 or am I freaking out?
Hey, I am pretty dang blessed when it comes to aging. Maybe you saw the post about my 82 year old Mom recently and how amazing she has aged. I come from good stock! I have also loved exercise since I was very young. I ran track, played softball, lifted weights and moved and stretched in yoga for years. I love to keep fit and it’s paid off. Sure I have some aches and pains and have put on a few extra pounds with menopause but I would with what I have. I try to keep my mind sharp, positive and creative with meditation, great conversations with friends and family and by staying curious. I still LOVE my work as a photographer, writer and storytelling host so there’s that too. So yeah, maybe I still have some badass in me but what’s going on on the other side? Am I freaked out?
60 was how old my Mom was when we took her to Peru to hike the Andes Mountains. She told my sisters and I she always wanted to go and we said, “well no time like the present.” I didn’t think she was going to die or anything but felt like 60 was…. well… old! But now I’m here and I don’t feel old but feel the pull to not wait for ANYTHING!
I think in many ways, I’m not the gal who sits around and says “some day I’ll do that or go there.” I am a planner. I put stuff in the calendar and buy the tickets. So maybe freaking out is not the best word or description for how I’m feeling. I am truly grateful to be in an amazing time in my life but also have some big dreams left. I could say I have time when we all know that is a fleeting thing no matter your age. I am grateful everyday to wake up and be alive and to be able to experience the joys and wonders of the world.
So this is what I have come up with for the story I will tell myself as I inch towards the 60 mark. “Kim, you are as much of a badass as you want to be and can choose to RISE at any point in your life. Keep trusting your instincts and enjoy the freedom that comes with not giving as much of a damn about things and just have a blast!”
BAM! So good!
And did I tell you….I’m going to be 60 soon.
Keep on living the life of your dreams no matter what. Work with what you have, make the best of it and let me know what holds you back from living your best life. It might just be a story you can shift. Tell yourself an empowering story and keep on keeping on you awesome bad ass you. I’ll let you know when we’re having cake.
Kim
It took me a year to celebrate 60 -- go for it!