Recently, I turned 60. For some reason, this birthday felt different, an important milestone, a rite of passage. I had a small get together at home to celebrate the occasion. I honestly can say that I don’t know how time went by so fast; yesterday, I was 20, today I am 60. Do I feel old? Not quite, but there are a few things that have changed physically. Maybe I am not able to ride a skateboard anymore, and for certain, as of lately, days feel shorter. A mind trick? Maybe.
That day, I asked for birthday advice and here is what I got: don’t eat sugar, walk every day, go window shopping (my husband), and enjoy life every single day. At first, it seemed like the words of wisdom I was expecting did not come through; however, after thinking about it a bit more, it was really good advice. Some writers tend to become a bit isolated, sedentary, and develop or nourish a sweet tooth; for me, this was good advice.
The days that followed, I pondered and reminisced about all the years gone by, and as expected, many questions came to mind, especially “what ifs.” Some decisions I regretted, some were smart, and many other could have gone better. There have been good times and not so good times. Times that could have broken my spirit but did not. Times of blessings, and times of hope, times of disappointment, and also regret. As written in the Bible, there is a time for everything under the sun. Could I have done better? Sure, I could have, and this is true for every person on this planet; no one is perfect.
After more pondering and soul searching, I adjusted my life map, and with God’s blessing, I am looking forward to the next chapters. One thing that came up from all that pondering was a new outlook and modus operandi. I will approach each day with this question in mind: what can I multiply today? Whether it is words, knowledge, steps (fitness), money, acts of love and kindness, or other time-worthy endeavor, I would love to multiply something each day.
I thought about the constants throughout my life. After all, I have experienced so many changes throughout the years, in all areas of life. I could see the constants and appreciate them more so: the love of God, the love of my husband, family, and friends, my pets, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches; my love for these will never end, ditto for pizza.
To all of you, a toast to living. And may,
“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26
Inkspeare 
Querida Piny!
Que bueno que encontré tu blog. Llegamos a los 60 y parece que fue ayer que estábamos en la Pablo Avila. Mi vida también ha dado giros inesperados pero con la ayuda de Dios, familia, amigos y compañeros de trabajo he podido seguir hacia delante. Mi querido esposo falleció hace 5 años, (4/28/2019) de manera inesperada. Aunque gracias a Dios estoy bien, lo extraño todos los días. Dos de mis 3 perros cruzaron el arco iris, diría que por vejez, una en el 2020, tenía 15 años (fallo renal) y la otra casi 18 (dejo de caminar, nervio pinchado columna). Doloroso y acompañadas hasta su ultimo suspiro (eutanasia) por mi sobrino y por mi. Me queda Hulk que ya tiene 12 años. La costura y la escritura también han llenado mucho mi vida. De eso te contaré luego. Espero sigamos en comunicación. Me encanta todo lo que escribes.
Abrazos.
Isabel
Hola, Isabel. Que bueno saber de ti. Mi mas sentido pesame, lo siento mucho. No estaba enterada. Que Dios te siga dando fortaleza, y que los proximos capitulos de tu vida sean llenos de gozo y esperanza. Es cierto, el tiempo ha pasado muy rapido, como un cerrar y abrir de ojos. Gracias por visitar el blog. A pesar del transcurso del tiempo, en mi tienes una amiga sincera. Dios te bendiga y guarde siempre.