On Turning 66
I love the 29th of each month. I was born on the 29th of May, but for some inexplicable reason, I don't just own my half birthday (November 29), I have adopted the 29th of each month. So, for instance, this past January 29, I was 65 and 2/3. This has been a fun game for me since I was in my 20s. I had assumed I would out grow it as I aged, not wanting to keep announcing my getting older, but no-go.
So, this Saturday, i will be fully 66. I think I should have some big feelings about it. I do like the fact that social security has kicked in. I really like the fact that I am.(honestly) wiser, not just older. I know people make all kinds of to-dos about "this is what 50 (or 60) looks like," but I don't feel the need to do that. I am the same person today that I will be on Saturday or Sunday.
Yet, I am different. I know I will be having another number added to my age in 12 more 29ths. I know that means I'm getting closer to getting old (whatever that means), more likely to get sick (ugg), more likely to lose people I love to their old age or sickness. But, I most of the time, I can't focus on that for too long.
Some people my age are still saying they don't know what they want to do when they grow up. Not me. I'm doing what I love -- I'm a therapist for couples, families, children, individuals. I'm an author, I run groups for men, women, couples. I can't imagine giving any of this up. I do wonder, though, as I get older (76? 86?) how long people will trust their lives to working with an "old lady."
Do I have any words of advice or pearls of wisdom to offer others as I hit this new mile stone? Nope. We all do it our own way; nothing I could say would make much of a difference, anyway. If anything, perhaps my enjoying where I am can offer a model for others to not worry so much about what you don't have (there's always a lot), what you gave up or lost (there's always a lot). For me, at least every 29th, I get a chance to revel in what I do have, what has gone well in my life, and to dream of what will I do next -- to add to my enjoyment of who I am.
So, to everyone, my birthday wishes go to you -- enjoy yourself, if not once a month, at least once a year!
So, this Saturday, i will be fully 66. I think I should have some big feelings about it. I do like the fact that social security has kicked in. I really like the fact that I am.(honestly) wiser, not just older. I know people make all kinds of to-dos about "this is what 50 (or 60) looks like," but I don't feel the need to do that. I am the same person today that I will be on Saturday or Sunday.
Yet, I am different. I know I will be having another number added to my age in 12 more 29ths. I know that means I'm getting closer to getting old (whatever that means), more likely to get sick (ugg), more likely to lose people I love to their old age or sickness. But, I most of the time, I can't focus on that for too long.
Some people my age are still saying they don't know what they want to do when they grow up. Not me. I'm doing what I love -- I'm a therapist for couples, families, children, individuals. I'm an author, I run groups for men, women, couples. I can't imagine giving any of this up. I do wonder, though, as I get older (76? 86?) how long people will trust their lives to working with an "old lady."
Do I have any words of advice or pearls of wisdom to offer others as I hit this new mile stone? Nope. We all do it our own way; nothing I could say would make much of a difference, anyway. If anything, perhaps my enjoying where I am can offer a model for others to not worry so much about what you don't have (there's always a lot), what you gave up or lost (there's always a lot). For me, at least every 29th, I get a chance to revel in what I do have, what has gone well in my life, and to dream of what will I do next -- to add to my enjoyment of who I am.
So, to everyone, my birthday wishes go to you -- enjoy yourself, if not once a month, at least once a year!
Posted by Karen Gail Lewis at 5/25/2010 2:28 PM 
Categories: women
Tags: birthdays getting older aging
Categories: women
Tags: birthdays getting older aging
Karen
Happy 66th birthday for saturday!!
Or, as I like to add, happy 24,106th birthDAY ..... because that's how many DAYS you've been alive!!! *
Now that doesn't make 66 sound too old anymore, does it??!!!
* thank goodness for handy Microsoft Excel program!!
anony-mouse
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Good post i like it...........
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Thanks.
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It is really a very very good article,
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