Wisdom of Aging
60! This is a big number! It's more than twice half of 50! I am now 60 years old. For all of you young 'uns out there (actually, ANYONE younger than me), I once thought that I would never reach 60. I mean, that sounds really old (insert old woman with cane here). Anywho....
In other words, it has now occurred to me that life expectancy for an American woman is 84. That means that I have now lived many more years than I WILL live. This also comes on the heels of the revelation that I had at 50 years old: this thing called life, here on planet earth, will come to an end. Embracing that one was rough. At 60, it has become crystal clear to me that I don't have time to waste. CRYSTAL.
Please don't misunderstand me. I have had an amazing 60 years. I've travelled to many places, done a lot of things, played many roles. I've taken a lot of risks and endured almost-unbearable heartbreak. Twice. And in my heart, I believe that my life has been truly mostly wonderful. Now, I am declaring that it is time to go further!
Although many of my dreams have come true, there are a few that are yet to come to fruition. Long ago, circa 1973, I sat on the floor of my bedroom on Roscoe Ave (Northside Chgo) clipping articles about health and wellness and collecting newsletters from Andrew Weil about Integrative Health. I was also dragging out my hardcover Jane Fonda book and page by page following her workout routine. An affinity for all things holistic had been cultivated. I sent away for brochures about TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and the Chicago School of Naprapathy. These interests would be in the background of my life for all of my life.
As life would have it, I took a necessary detour into nursing for some 23 years but consistently fed my hunger for natural medicine and self-help. A 20+ year investment in personal growth work, completion of Yoga Instructor training and Pilates Instructor training, 200 mile relays, 500 mile bike rides, wellness retreats, breathwork workshops and a few trips to Kripalu for Ayurvedic training were highlights of this journey. All of this to say that sometimes life takes us on a winding path.
I've known people that had a clear cut path from A to B. Some of my best friends remember wanting to be nurses since very young and continued that journey without detour. For some people their purpose and journey have been very clear and direct. For me, like many of you, there have been some forks in the road. I have decided to "off road" it at times. I have taken detours that have benefitted me or someone else and taken some that have been dead ends and then needed to course correct.
All of this to say that turning 60 has given me the courage to pursue a dream or 2. Although I loved being a Pediatric nurse, I feel very called to orient back to what have been passions for a very long time: health and wellness, from a holistic and integrative approach and writing. This is how I birthed "Beauty in the Balance".
I wanted a beautiful space to grow my writing and share the wealth of knowledge that I have about all things Mind-Body-Spirit related. I enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a Health and Wellness Coach with the intention of supporting and encouraging others to find healing in their lives. I am starting to teach Pilates at my gym. I am noticing that it is risky to start a new career when the old one is so defined, so reliable, but I must follow my heart.
I listen to podcasts often, to inspire and enlighten me. I read and research and listen to music to qwell the inner voices of self-doubt. I use positive affirmations when I start worrying about money. And when I get lonely on this entrepreneurial journey, I reach out or work out or spend time with nature.
I can no longer deny what my calling in life is. Why would I? Why would any of us? If your journey is clear-cut, uninterrupted by tempting detours, go for it! And if your journey is more like mine, no shame necessary. Take some time to reflect on what makes you feel alive and then do that.
As Howard Thurman said, "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it, because what the world needs is more people who have come alive."
Turning any age of significance is a poignant time to reflect on what is, what has been and what can be.
Last thought, for all of the Kelly Clarkson fans out there:
"I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly.
I'll do what it takes 'til I touch the sky.
And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change
and breakaway....."
