Today, I turned 60.
A few years ago, someone used the two television series, “Golden Girls” and “And Just Like That” to point out how differently we view age today. As a father of three, with a loving partner, I can echo those sentiments. Age seems strangely amorphic. It truly is what we want it to be, kinda like Tofu.
10 years ago I wrote on this platform about what it meant for me to turn 50. Upon re-reading that post, I can say, that for the most part, I didn’t settle, much, over the last decade.
There were the changes I expected:
- My children become teenagers and all that entails
- Moving from one job to another
- Saying goodbye to relatives that passed away having lived a full life
- A few more body aches here and there
And there were those I didn’t:
- Ending a relationship that I thought wouldn’t end
- Stepping into a relationship that feels like it has existed, at some level, all along
- Saying goodbye to relatives and friends way sooner than seemed fair.
- Finding more and more inward peace, through realizing my many flaws
I can say to you now as a person who is the father of three, a partner to one, a brother to 5, and a friend to many, the number 60 feels like it fits just perfectly.
I am grateful for all the pain and joy along the way. My promise to all of you is to continue to not settle for predefined notions of what I’m supposed to be as a 60 year old man. And to embrace the tranquility that comes with aquired experience and wisdom.
Would love to hear from all of you on how particular ages may scare you, or not.