The pleasures of sixty (and a bit)

[deborahjross]

Elsewhere kateelliott discusses some thoughts on turning 50. When I was younger, 50 was a big deal for me -- half a century, my gosh. But when I actually got there, my life was in no condition to celebrate (and I did have the thought that some milestones ought to be arranged by other people, silly me). I did throw myself a small party at 55... and then asked for a big shindig at 60. The icon pic is from the celebration

Now that's a year and a bit behind me, I'm settling into 60s with relish. Maybe its "post-menopausal zest" or maybe a sort of Indian summer when I'm still strong and healthy enough to do most things I want to (and no longer want to do some of the crazy stuff I once did), but feel a blessed relief from so many old inner torments and self-expectations. I'm so much more comfortable in my own skin, both physically and emotionally. Maybe some people get to this place at a younger age, maybe I simply had to go through all the hard stuff to get here, I don't know. I just am profoundly grateful for this time. I had no idea I would love being 60 so much!

Comments

[manawolf.livejournal.com]

Well it sure beats the alternative yaknow!

I am curious what the crazy stuff you no longer want to do is, but I'm not sure you'd want to be giving your 28-year-old daughter ideas...

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

I think you know most of it. It took me a while to accept I was done with kick-ass kung fu, that my body simply couldn't handle the injuries. Also white-water rafting after that last terrifying spill, getting trapped on the rocks. Running, which isn't so crazy except for my knees. And I'm not about to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, parachute or no, like your sister did. I actually observe the speed limit when driving, and slow down even more at dusk, when deer are apt to hurl themselves in front of my car. I never did much rock climbing or rapeling down mountains, and doubt I ever will, which is just fine. Hiking is more my speed. I'll also probably not learn scuba diving, and am hesitant to do more snorkeling until or unless I have a buddy (I've been out there alone, not a good idea, even for a strong swimmer, which I'm not.)

Otoh, I still dance, although less acrobatically. Yoga, maybe tai chi again. Protest various things, perhaps with the Raging Grannies when I grow up enough. Oh, and I've performed in a piano recital. That counts as wildly daring!