Monumental 70 and Wealthy Affiliate
How does one go from BELIEVING in Santa to BEING Santa in the blink of an eye?
I must admit that I am struggling with this new age I’m about to embark on. The “0”s are often a time for pause – or is that just me.
20 was a blur. I had my first child and was clueless about life.
30 was still a little clueless but raising 3 children pretty much alone so I learned a LOT about life through trial and error
40 was the first tough "0". I was single, kids were almost gone. It’s when I first started feeling “old” yet I was employed full time and working on my Masters degree so I tried to focus on other things and ignore.
50 was the BEST! Kids grown, I was finally discovering who I really was, I had a lick of sense AND could still fit into a bikini! Whooo Hoooo!!! What’s not to love.
60 I expanded my horizons and went on a mission trip to China and Tibet. It was truly an experience I won’t ever forget!!!! There was no time to "feel old".
This is what 60 looks like with no amenities like daily showers or hair dryers. (Picture of me with Tibetan lady) .
So, now I’m facing 70 head on. Retired, still active, no health issues but now what? Bikini is long gone and when I look in the mirror, I see many wrinkles. Yet do I feel blessed? Yes.
I realize how many don’t make it to 70 or have debilitating health issues. In August I will attend my delayed 50thhigh school class reunion. Out of a class of about 500, we’ve lost 83 that we know of. Some classmates can’t be found. Somehow I’m always found no matter how many times I move. LOL.
So, what makes people’s stories different? Hereditary health conditions are partly to blame. Yet I think decisions that we make every day can be critical as well. I’ve seen too many of my friends who, after retirement, spend the day siting on the couch watching news or whatever mind-numbing program is on TV.
The way I see it, you can still look back at your old experiences with fond (or sometimes not so fond memories) but you MUST make new ones as well. We have to keep our mind and body active. If we stay active and socially engaged, we maintain our cognitive and physical abilities. Our brains need stimulation and our joints need to move.
I know I am not here as much as I used to be, but I also know that Wealthy Affiliate (WA) is still a critical part of my life. I’m constantly thinking about blogs and writing. WA has taught me HOW to create a blog and given me the courage to do so. My mind is NEVER idle or bored!!!
WA is not only a place to constantly engage your brain but also so diversified that even without the training, you’re still learning from the people on the platform. With participants from just about every country, my worldview has no choice but to expand every day.
I realize not everyone is physically able to get out and about easily BUT if you can, balance WA with some physical activity. I know Kyle does. Even if you can only walk to your front yard, get out and smell the roses. Make the most of every single day of your life!!!!!
I've learned that you MUST take a risk because things happen as you move and expand your horizons. We don't grow in our comfort zones!!!!! We stagnate and that's not even a pretty word!!!! So, let me ask you.....what will YOUR next "0" look like?
On my actual birthday (tomorrow) I'm traveling to NY to my ex MIL's house (yeah, I know). It's a 7-8 hr trip. SO I'll spend Friday the 13th (think it's a coincidence? lol) figuring out how I want to remember the years between 70 – 80 and what I want to accomplish but first I’ll splurge on something bad for me……perhaps that fried rice, Jeff Brown??? Then of course, I must use the cool glass I bought myself!!!! So, here’s to 70!
Stay safe and healthy
Hugs to all
~Debbi
Recent Comments
59
Hello Debbi
Thank you for this post and many happy returns on your birthday.
No one uses that phrase anymore so I am probably showing my 0!
70 is a hard one because it has usually been associated with very OLD age.
Remember your comment: "many people don't make it to 70", or they are not physically well.
My Mom passed away last December and was 104 years, 6 months, and 22 days old! See how we count the hours when we reach 100? Again, because it is an achievement to reach these numbers.
I bet your children are happy you are still with them, just as we have always been happy to have our Mom for so long. And she was active and lucid to the end.
In the last 3 years, she started using a walker! She said, "that's for old people". That was her mindset.
I had my big 7-0 almost two years ago (72 in July) and I can only say that this does put us in a whole new category ie: "my, you don't look 70". (Do I look 60?)
Yes, it's a privilege to achieve this amazing height! We are Blessed and I find it exhilarating to be with WA at this time. I am passing on life experiences to my audience and it is cathartic to write.
So Happy Birthday and Many Happy Returns.
From another 0
Regards, Corinne
Thank you, Corinne. No, I have not heard that phrase in a long time!!!!! It's ok. I understand it. Kids today don't even know how to use a phone with a cord!!! LOL.
~Debbi
You are still a youngster, Debbi. I will turn 84 in July. I had this idea for many years that life ended at 80, but then I was 80, and guess what? Life still went on.
Now I'm taking things a day at a time and am grateful for each new day. WA is a great way to keep on doing something useful when your body doesn't want to do anything any more. WA gives me a chance to use my mind and intellect and to learn new things. I am so glad I found it! It's making old age a great deal of fun.
You're an inspiration! Of course, your body might be frozen in youth seeing you live in the frozen tundra. 😆
Either way, good to know that life goes on even after 80. 😉. Stay well and engaged!!
Debbi
Way to go Debbi! Happy 70th Birthday to you. I loved how you used the 0 years as markers in your life.
I promise you that the best is yet to come. You nailed it when you talked about being active, even as we age.
Wealthy Affiliate is not only a business-building platform but a place to connect with other like-minded people of all ages. I feel it contributes to keeping me young!
I look forward to 80 in a few short years. LA will be hosting the 2028 Olympics. My wife and I attended the last one in 1984. We are looking forward to the next one, even though she will be 78 and I'll be 82. God willing naturally.
These flowers look absolutely beautiful. Sounds like you have caring kids. Much credit to you as a single Mom.
I wish you good health, happiness, and success in this new decade you'll be entering.
Cheers!
Edwin
Thank you, Edwin. At the rate you're going, I have no doubt that you'll get to 80 in style and grace!
~Debbi
I strongly agree Debbi when you said that many we know didn't even make it this far. So we are Blessed. (I'm 72, soon to be 73 in a few weeks and still going strong). I try to take care of myself, keep myself busy working WA, painting and music. My mind is NEVER idle. Thanks for sharing Debbi.
We have to take care of ourselves. We were made to move and stay active mentally as well as physically. It sounds like we are both blessed!
~Debbi
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How exciting Debbi a new decade of adventures.
Loving my 60's having discovered exciting courses that have expanded my intuition and life. I have met wonderful new people online and off.
I agree, we need live outside that comfort zone and live life to the full.
Life just gets better and better.
YES, it does if we have the right mindset.
Debbi