Unapologetically Sixty

Once this pile of bricks is assembled, I will be forever immortalised in Lego; it seems a fitting way to celebrate my sixtieth 😂.

And here I am, fully assembled, two weeks later, thanks to my daughter. I am impressed with the results, especially the details they have included, my chain, the styling of my dreadlocked hair and the wrinkles around my eyes 😉.

Ten years ago, I was fifty and feisty; today, I am unapologetically sixty — ready to embrace this decade and make the most of the time and relative health I enjoy.

So, what has changed in ten years? In some ways, not a huge amount, though I am possibly even less interested in cooking, despite a recent diabetes diagnosis — and just as likely to run screaming from the room if someone suggests ‘bringing a dish.’

But I am more aware that I most likely have more time behind than in front of me, and since the pandemic, I’ve set the intention to spend more time with people I genuinely celebrate and who celebrate me. As the saying goes:

Be with the people who celebrate you rather than those who merely tolerate you — Unknown.

Life is simply too short.

So, in the same spirit, I’d like to share a few more quotes that speak to me now that I am unapologetically in my sixtieth year.

When someone shows you who they are, believe them — Maya Angelou.

I will no longer waste my time on denial and pretence. I’ll either accept who someone is and fully embrace that or not. In fairness, this quote is strongly linked to the first — I do not want to feel as though I am merely tolerating people in my life.

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? — Mary Oliver.

Professionally and personally, I feel like I am just hitting my stride — there is still a lot I want to do, and my age will not limit me.

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter — Nicolas Chamfort.

I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person ― Audrey Hepburn.

Because I think we all need to find more reasons to laugh. I know I haven’t laughed quite as much in recent years, and I’d like to change that. I want to set that as an intention for 2024 to enjoy more belly laughs with friends, family and colleagues.

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom — Anaïs Nin.

It is now time to blossom and make the most of the opportunities open to me. It is time to move forward with courage and conviction. Make some bold moves and start by promoting my story collection and podcast.

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete — Jack Kornfield.

My diabetes diagnosis almost a year ago reminded me that I need to lean into my self-care. I need to be kind to myself, which sometimes means saying no. I cannot continually pour from an empty cup.

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always — Ian Maclaren

We don’t know what is happening behind the scenes or see underneath the surface. Far better to stay in a place of compassion and kindness. The older I get, the more I value and appreciate compassion and empathy in others, especially with everything happening in the world right now.

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow — Mary Anne Radmacher.

Sometimes, it is best to withdraw so you can try again tomorrow.

Embrace the glorious mess that you are — Elizabeth Gilbert.

You are wonderfully and uniquely you, whatever your age. That’s it.

There are years that ask questions and years that answer — Zora Neale.

For me, 2024 is shaping up to be more about asking than answering. I guess we will see.

Life is the sum of all your choices — Albert Camus.

What choices have you made? Which made a significant difference to your life? Which of your past decisions are you profoundly grateful for today?

Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked — Amy Morin.

I still remember the person who helped me on my wedding day — her small gesture of support made all the difference when I suddenly became overwhelmed by the occasion. Thank you, J and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got — Robert Brault.

How many of us need to take this on and move on? Are you holding onto old resentments, and if so, how is that serving you?

Finally, as you may have guessed, my word for 2024 is — unapologetic — so I’ll leave you with the wonderful Maya Angelou.

Until next time.