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?
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Laurie Mueller, M.Ed is retired and living in Victoria with her husband, Helmuth. She recently published The Ultimate Guide on What to Do When Someone You Love Dies, available on Amazon. More about Laurie can be found at www.lauriemconsulting.com or on Facebook.