Here I am on the eve of starting a new year of life. I used to say that I was born to be older. I was never one who was bothered to approach or celebrate “milestone birthdays.” I thought it was great to turn 21, 30, 40, and even 50 was good. Now that I am well into the 50’s I find myself not anticipating “older” as much as I used to.
Don’t get me wrong, I do not have a wish to stop aging. I am grateful for every day I wake up and have breath and strength to function. In honor of this milestone I reach tomorrow, here are 5 1/2 lessons I’ve learned (or am still learning) in life:
1) I am prone to say yes too often, and take on more than I realistically can accomplish and still stay sane. “No” is an appropriate answer at times. In fact, saying yes to something automatically means I am saying no to something else. So I need to choose wisely.
2) There really is pleasure in the “simple things” of life. I found myself today just enjoying watching the birds play in our front yard and bushes. Other sources of joy – changing color of leaves, the sound of rain, crashing waves, the smell of fresh cut grass, the variegated color of the mum sitting on my table and more . . .
3) It’s ok to ask for help. That’s a significant part of healthy self care.
4) I am one blessed woman – to be part of my family of birth and my family by marriage, to do work that is in line with my passions, to have friends, to own a home that meets our needs, and most of all to be infinitely loved by God and to experience His love through my “Jr Shepherd” Jerry!
5) Traveling adds a richness to life. Meeting and seeing people from other communities and cultures (both in the US and around the world) brings a broader perspective and appreciation to life.
5 1/2) “Grace is a wonderful concept; I really hope it catches on some day.” This is 5 1/2 for two reasons – it’s not my quote – it is one of Jerry’s. And this is a lesson I surely have not fully learned yet but am a work in progress.
So there you have it – certainly not all the lessons I’ve learned, or need to learn – but the ones I am thinking of tonight. Would love to hear some of your life lessons!
