LIVING ON PURPOSE: ON BEING 70

Seventy? Can you believe your age? I am 70-and-a-half this month, and I am still trying to get used to it. I tell everyone: I’m 70! I’m pretty pleased to have all this experience and life skills within me. I love how I feel at this age. It’s like I have a doctorate degree in life now. (You can call me Dr. Laurie if you like). But I continue to be amazed that 70 years have flown by since that traumatic entrance into the world in 1952.

I know I’ve learned a lot over the years. Which isn’t to say I don’t have a lot more to learn. Some of what I learned was easy, some of it came harder. Now my challenge, of course, is how do I share my knowledge, my experience, my best advice with those who want it and need it. I don’t want to waste it. What exactly would be best to share?

Do you ever have those thoughts? I listened to my friend, Keith, give a talk the other day, and he was ruminating on being retired for five years and still wondering what his next important task is in life. Now I know I’m not the only one pondering this.

There are days when I feel tired, and I just want to stay in bed and read or sit on the couch and write or do a crossword or play silly games on my iPad. But there are other days, I want to sink my teeth into a meaningful writing project. I love writing stories about people and events, and those who are making a difference in the world.

I’ve discovered over the pandemic that I can find a million reasons not to go out and exercise, but then I get all creaky. And when I walk by a mirror, all I see is an old lady.

But when I’m active and moving and meeting with people, I feel energized and limber and not at all like I have 70-year-old bones.

I look around at some folks who have been on this planet longer than me and are making waves of difference in the world – even over the age of 90 – and I am inspired by them.

My friend, Barbara Waldner said to me one day, “I’m giving up my executive position in the organization this year.” I replied, “I’m sorry you feel you have to do that.” She said, “I always said I would give it up when I turn 90.” Oh! Okay.

She then added that she wanted to celebrate her 90th birthday and could I attend a party on her back deck to celebrate? Turns out she had two parties per weekend for several weeks so all her friends could attend. She still runs a mother’s support group for those who have children with (or have had) life threatening diseases.

Oh yeah, and she still walks around in high heels (but that is another story altogether!).

I want to be a Barbara Waldner when I get older, how about you?

1,369 views

Share with friends: