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!

The title image is a partial view of my Mother's Day flowers. My daughter was trying to make me feel better about this "0" age. LOL

Stay safe and healthy

Hugs to all

~Debbi