It's not a milestone. I'm turning 55. But I'm rounding the corner to old (not now but soon) and I'm vowing not to fear it or pretend it isn't happening.
I love it. And I agree. This is how I feel, how I see life as well. (I also just turned 55.) I have nine kids. Started at 23 and had my last at almost 42 naturally. I do hate to think of leaving, as there’s just so many people I love, but by my late 80s (I’d hope for that) I believe I will be very, very tired. (I too am very energetic and will do all the things to enjoy this life until my time is up.) But it doesn’t do any good to deny it or even fight it. Love your column. Happy birthday, and best wishes on the new brand. Go you! Keep going until you can’t any more. ❤️
Happy Birthday! I said the same thing at 55 and made it to seventy and now targeting eighty. At about 60 I made sure I did things that I knew would be much more difficult at 70. My wife and I attended more rock concerts in the last 10 years than in the previous 40 years. And we have Stones (June) and Eagles (March) tickets and as I thought, at 70 it is more difficult to get out and about. So we are glad we made the conscious decision at 60 to do “stuff”!!🤘🤘
Wow….Yes……Happy Birthday!……fast forward 28 years to my age of 83. My wife and I were sitting close in a tiny restaurant drinking, you guessed it, a margarita, and I happened to notice how wrinkled she was around her eyes. My first thought was, well, ageing, but then I was overwhelmed by the thought that these were the eyes of a “kind” person, the person I had married some 30 years earlier; kind and compassionate. The beauty in a woman’s face can only be emphasized by smile lines and crinkly eyes. Take these away and you have nothing but a shell or mask of a person. Have faith your decisions to avoid messing with your face will lead to untold reward later. PS: If you get to 83 you will find that it’s the new 82.
Happy birthday, Jennifer! And thank you for having the courage to SPEAK TRUTH, including this line today: "Men can’t become women, they can’t breastfeed and..." Crazy that such an obviously and blatantly true statement is now deemed heresy. Part of why I love reading your posts is that you make me feel like I'm not crazy for my views. May you go from strength to strength.
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! Your post profoundly resonates with me, and I'm thrilled to see you embracing your age and all your past and future accomplishments.
In my mid-40s, I sought solace from the corporate world at yoga retreats. Among the vibrant women in their 50s and 60s, I felt a sense of belonging as they shared that this phase was the happiest of their lives.
Attending corporate summits, speakers like Jim Collins often highlighted the increase in creativity during one's 50s. Initially, I assumed this applied mainly to men, given this is their peak earning years.
Now firmly in my mid-50s, I wholeheartedly embrace this concept. When worries about finances and aging creep in, I remind myself to be present and enjoy life now.
It is easier said than done during times of stress, but it is a journey worth taking.
Happy birthday Jennifer! Although I don't know you, I'm so happy to see you being able to say and do whatever you want, and enjoying every moment of it. Good on you - hope you enjoy the day!!
you have, to me, the right idea about aging. Appreciate what you have , live your life without saying you are old and can.t…but also realize that it’s easier now than it will be in the years to come…that doesn’t mean you give up..you just live life differently and that’s a good thing….
No one can make anyone do/believe in anything there stubborn mind is closed to possibly believe in or accept. Love reading your substack & I hope your Birthday is Happy!
I love it. And I agree. This is how I feel, how I see life as well. (I also just turned 55.) I have nine kids. Started at 23 and had my last at almost 42 naturally. I do hate to think of leaving, as there’s just so many people I love, but by my late 80s (I’d hope for that) I believe I will be very, very tired. (I too am very energetic and will do all the things to enjoy this life until my time is up.) But it doesn’t do any good to deny it or even fight it. Love your column. Happy birthday, and best wishes on the new brand. Go you! Keep going until you can’t any more. ❤️
Happy Birthday! I said the same thing at 55 and made it to seventy and now targeting eighty. At about 60 I made sure I did things that I knew would be much more difficult at 70. My wife and I attended more rock concerts in the last 10 years than in the previous 40 years. And we have Stones (June) and Eagles (March) tickets and as I thought, at 70 it is more difficult to get out and about. So we are glad we made the conscious decision at 60 to do “stuff”!!🤘🤘
Wow….Yes……Happy Birthday!……fast forward 28 years to my age of 83. My wife and I were sitting close in a tiny restaurant drinking, you guessed it, a margarita, and I happened to notice how wrinkled she was around her eyes. My first thought was, well, ageing, but then I was overwhelmed by the thought that these were the eyes of a “kind” person, the person I had married some 30 years earlier; kind and compassionate. The beauty in a woman’s face can only be emphasized by smile lines and crinkly eyes. Take these away and you have nothing but a shell or mask of a person. Have faith your decisions to avoid messing with your face will lead to untold reward later. PS: If you get to 83 you will find that it’s the new 82.
Happy Birthday Jennifer! Great writing, I love your honesty, fortitude and no bullshit style 💕
Happy birthday, Jennifer! And thank you for having the courage to SPEAK TRUTH, including this line today: "Men can’t become women, they can’t breastfeed and..." Crazy that such an obviously and blatantly true statement is now deemed heresy. Part of why I love reading your posts is that you make me feel like I'm not crazy for my views. May you go from strength to strength.
Happy birthday! Thanks for the wise words.
Happy birthday friend! Couldn't agree more. I am 58 and enjoying my life as a 58 year old. Some things are better and some are worse! That's life.
Happy birthday and many more. Think of it this way, with every passing year you will have so much more to look back on and be grateful for.
Happy happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! Your post profoundly resonates with me, and I'm thrilled to see you embracing your age and all your past and future accomplishments.
In my mid-40s, I sought solace from the corporate world at yoga retreats. Among the vibrant women in their 50s and 60s, I felt a sense of belonging as they shared that this phase was the happiest of their lives.
Attending corporate summits, speakers like Jim Collins often highlighted the increase in creativity during one's 50s. Initially, I assumed this applied mainly to men, given this is their peak earning years.
Now firmly in my mid-50s, I wholeheartedly embrace this concept. When worries about finances and aging creep in, I remind myself to be present and enjoy life now.
It is easier said than done during times of stress, but it is a journey worth taking.
Happy Birthday! 70 this year. Not dead yet!
Happy birthday Jennifer! Although I don't know you, I'm so happy to see you being able to say and do whatever you want, and enjoying every moment of it. Good on you - hope you enjoy the day!!
Happy happy birthday..
you have, to me, the right idea about aging. Appreciate what you have , live your life without saying you are old and can.t…but also realize that it’s easier now than it will be in the years to come…that doesn’t mean you give up..you just live life differently and that’s a good thing….
Happy Birthday! Great writing!!
Really enjoyed this post.
No one can make anyone do/believe in anything there stubborn mind is closed to possibly believe in or accept. Love reading your substack & I hope your Birthday is Happy!