This is such a beautiful piece and captures aging and being in the world so beautifully. At my young age of 61 it really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing it.
I turn 64 soon and I don’t let things get to me like they used to. I guess that’s part of getting older. I focus on what’s important to me and what gives me meaning and purpose in my life. I don’t let anyone take that power away from me by getting me upset. Aging definitely has its benefits, thank goodness!
Beautiful. Again, all very relatable from the darkest moment to realizing what you want out of life, to what you want to give to life at this stage of your life.
I came across this Charles Dicken’s quote recently and reminded me of your post here:
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others.”
I sat down at my computer next to my doorwall this morning, opened the door, and proceeded to plow through my list of saved-for-later emails. Then I read (and re-read) your reflections. Your words are stirring and reflective for me today. You reminded me of my inner child, the absolute beauty of nature, and how we lose the wonder. I turned 71 a couple months ago and was talking to my 89 yr old father-in-law yesterday as I told him my thoughts about wanting to purchase a van camper - because I still have dreams - and I heard the wistfulness in his voice as he said a quiet, almost inaudible, "yes". Thank you for making me stop to think, and feel, and hear, and dream, and wonder.... Happy Birthday!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write down your thoughts and share them with me. I think it is so important to keep our dreams and to strive for them. I hope you do get your van camper. I think curiosity and wonder are vital to keeping ourselves from becoming old, though it does not stop us growing older.
Beautiful post, Elliott, and I appreciate the wisdom you've shared. I turned 60 a couple of weeks ago and as I said in a post I wrote, when you're 50 you can tell yourself (with a bit of optimism) that your life is half over; when you're 60, those tricks don't work. :-) When I think of how much has changed in my life since I turned 50 (loss of both parents and mother-in-law, relationship losses), it's kind of sobering. But it doesn't have to be the end of wonder and curiosity. Acceptance and simplicity are good gifts too, and I think we can embrace those as we get older rather than fighting reality. A friend quoted Kate Bowler/Jessica Richie's book Good Enough on FB today and I loved this part: ""Receive and welcome reality in its completeness, giving over to God all that is beyond your power to change or understand or return to once again."
Thank you, Jeannie. I loved your post about turning 60 and, yes, as our years pass so do so many of those we love. With each loss we lose a part of ourselves, a part of our story. I agree that acceptance and simplicity are good gifts that I find myself settling into more and more. I love Kate Bowler her podcast and books.
What a soothing read. I've just turned 70. I echo what you say. It's a miracle I'm here. Off to tend my garden and watch the birds and bees, the butterflies and worms.
This is such a beautiful piece and captures aging and being in the world so beautifully. At my young age of 61 it really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you for taking the time to say so. It's definitely something I am trying to live out in my daily life.
Happiest of birthdays. Thank you for taking us on this journey of such sustained attention. It was a gift.
Thank you for taking the time to say so.
I turn 64 soon and I don’t let things get to me like they used to. I guess that’s part of getting older. I focus on what’s important to me and what gives me meaning and purpose in my life. I don’t let anyone take that power away from me by getting me upset. Aging definitely has its benefits, thank goodness!
Happy Birthday!!!
Beautiful. Again, all very relatable from the darkest moment to realizing what you want out of life, to what you want to give to life at this stage of your life.
I came across this Charles Dicken’s quote recently and reminded me of your post here:
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others.”
Happy Birthday, again, Elliott.
I sat down at my computer next to my doorwall this morning, opened the door, and proceeded to plow through my list of saved-for-later emails. Then I read (and re-read) your reflections. Your words are stirring and reflective for me today. You reminded me of my inner child, the absolute beauty of nature, and how we lose the wonder. I turned 71 a couple months ago and was talking to my 89 yr old father-in-law yesterday as I told him my thoughts about wanting to purchase a van camper - because I still have dreams - and I heard the wistfulness in his voice as he said a quiet, almost inaudible, "yes". Thank you for making me stop to think, and feel, and hear, and dream, and wonder.... Happy Birthday!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write down your thoughts and share them with me. I think it is so important to keep our dreams and to strive for them. I hope you do get your van camper. I think curiosity and wonder are vital to keeping ourselves from becoming old, though it does not stop us growing older.
I turned 55 in February. Happy birthday!
Thank you so much for writing these beautiful words. Tonight, especially, I needed to read them. 🙏🏻
Then I am glad that I wrote them.
Beautiful post, Elliott, and I appreciate the wisdom you've shared. I turned 60 a couple of weeks ago and as I said in a post I wrote, when you're 50 you can tell yourself (with a bit of optimism) that your life is half over; when you're 60, those tricks don't work. :-) When I think of how much has changed in my life since I turned 50 (loss of both parents and mother-in-law, relationship losses), it's kind of sobering. But it doesn't have to be the end of wonder and curiosity. Acceptance and simplicity are good gifts too, and I think we can embrace those as we get older rather than fighting reality. A friend quoted Kate Bowler/Jessica Richie's book Good Enough on FB today and I loved this part: ""Receive and welcome reality in its completeness, giving over to God all that is beyond your power to change or understand or return to once again."
Thank you, Jeannie. I loved your post about turning 60 and, yes, as our years pass so do so many of those we love. With each loss we lose a part of ourselves, a part of our story. I agree that acceptance and simplicity are good gifts that I find myself settling into more and more. I love Kate Bowler her podcast and books.
This is lovely!
Thank you.
What a soothing read. I've just turned 70. I echo what you say. It's a miracle I'm here. Off to tend my garden and watch the birds and bees, the butterflies and worms.
I am glad that happenstance lead me to your writing. Here's to another trip around the sun and the grand adventures of the everyday moments to come.