What’s Next and Thoughts on Turning 62
Today is my 62nd birthday. How did that happen so fast? Just yesterday I was turning 49 and feeling a little old. Imagine my surprise that I now feel younger turning 62!
I’ve spent some time reflecting on my current challenges and blessings and feel thankful that I’m ahead of the game. I’m not naïve enough to think my challenges won’t get harder as I get older, but I want to meet them with grace. Focusing on the positive keeps me moving in the right direction.
Of course, my body can’t do many of the things it used to, but that’s ok. My mind and the wisdom I have acquired more than makes up for it. I feel sharper than ever and am eager to learn new things.
I’m not an overly adventurous person, never have been. But I am lucky that my children continue to challenge me to push the boundaries of my adventure/comfort zone.
Two years ago our family traveled to Iceland to celebrate my 60th birthday. We explored the small towns, hiked into remote canyons and soaked in ancient hot springs. Below is the Secret Lagoon which was amazing!
Last summer our whole family went tent glamping in Montana.
I am terrified of horses but got back on a horse for the first time in decades.
This was before the horse ran me against a tree and ripped a big gash in my arm… so I may pass on horses for the foreseeable future, but I did it!
I am not a water person but was encouraged to go Kayaking and try paddle boarding. Both were fun and I will do them again.
This year was a bit hectic with our recent move and trailer trip to Canada, so my husband and I have opted for a quiet birthday. We’re spending it among the trees and on the shore of Lake Tahoe. My daughter will be visiting in a few weeks, so we will have a bigger family celebration then.
I find birthdays are a natural time to pause and reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and what I want to change in the year ahead.
It’s so easy to continue doing what we’ve always done. But it’s important to me to keep an active mind, to stay challenged, and most importantly focus on living a fulfilled and happy (most of the time) life.
What changes are you looking to make in your next year ahead?
Wishing you a wonderful Birthday, Jennifer! Sixty-two is still so young! You’ve got a ways to go until you catch up to me. As my friend, Dovanna in NYC said, I want to continue to be in control of my spine, so I’m stepping up my exercise and stretching. xoxox, Brenda
Thank you Brenda!! That’s great advice. I know taking care of our bodies is so important and very happy I’ve started back exercising.
Happy Birthday Jennifer – you share a birthday with my younger sister! August is a busy month – I turned 64 2 weeks ago.
Thanks Yvonne! Belated Happy Birthday. Lots of fabulous ladies born in August????
Happy Birthday to one of my favourite bloggers! My birthday (57) is tomorrow ????
Oh my gosh, thanks so much Laurie!! Happiest Birthday wishes to you! Xx
Just returned from a summer trip to Norway.. it’s my husbands home away and he turns 70 this year… so it was special for him and for me to do 2 months in camping mode. Soooo glad to get back to real homecoming!
What for my 70? A new knee? Peace?
A little retail?
Happy birthday and thanks for the great posts!
I’d be glad to get home too Shari! You’re a good sport and a real trouper. Best wishes for a fabulous year ahead. It’s only getting better!
Happy Birthday! I celebrated my 62nd birthday last month, as well. For me, one thing that keeps me feeling connected and vibrant, is to have relationships with young folks. I am blessed to have 6 grandkids, varying ages, and love to listen to their take on the world. Never a dull moment!
Oh yes!! They are the true fountain of youth
Great thoughts! Happy birthday!
Thanks Laurie!
Sending blessings and best wishes to the birthday girl. Lake Tahoe is a lovely way to spend your day. Enjoy!
Thanks Karen!
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! I’ll be 71 on Sunday. Our house is sold…closing on September 26. We will spend the warmer months in our house at the Jersey shore and winters in Florida.
Thanks Gail!! Way to go! I’m so happy for you. It sounds ideal.
Happy Birthday! You are very adventurous!
Thank you Debbie. It’s funny but I don’t feel adventurous
I was 62 once. LOL. That’s the year I retired, and my life has been so much happier. I have time to travel and time to spend with my grandchildren. I would never go back to a younger age. Enjoy the day!
Thanks Kay, I agree!
Happy Birthday!
Thanks Linda
Happy mutual birthday! It’s my birthday, too, only I’m a bit ahead of you. I’m 66 today!
Happy Birthday Wendy!!!
Happy Birthday! I’ve found that as we get older, we are naturally more adventurous. Maybe because if we have kids, they are also older and we feel they don’t need us as much as when they when they were young. I’m now 71 and thankful my family still encourages me to be adventurous. My son and his family invited on a cruise with them last April. Wonderful! They trusted me to go parasailing with my then 7 year old grandson. They also went parasailing, but I had their precious cargo. I’m not a fan of heights, but no way would I disappoint my grandson. Scared the entire time, but he never knew it. He’s a big daredevil, so Grandma was brave, at least on the surface.
Love following your adventures! I just returned from a rail trip through the Canadian Rockies with 2 high school girlfriends (husbands would rather golf & fish). We decided years ago we’ll just leave them to it & go without them. So, every year we do a trip together. Anytime we run into snags or find it difficult to work around schedules we remind ourselves that “TIME IS A TICK’N!” and figure it out. BUT having said all that, I know we need ot be thinking about downsizing from our huge yard and house too, but my husband & I are both so happy right where we are. We have lived the same small town for 40 years where everybody knows everybody. We live close to the lake, golf course, and hunting areas. BUT our son and family live in Dallas 12 hrs away & are urging us to move before the kids get any older. I don’t really know how to proceed – it’s frightening….. I so admire you for having that part settled and behind you…..
Good for you Patty! Time is flying faster every year.
I wish we were as settled as you make it sound. Sadly we are only renting and still hunting for where we should live. It’s a tough decision. Your current location sounds wonderful but conventional wisdom suggests we should live close to our children as we age.
We but the bullet and sold but are still in limbo. It is frightening. Take your time and the answer will show itself to you.
Oh my gosh Norma you are my hero!! Congratulations! I’m in awe of your guts and stamina. Go you!!!
Happy Birthday Jennifer! I love reading your blog. I hope you continue:)
Thank you so much Tracy! And thanks for sharing this journey with me
A very happy birthday and many blessings to you, Jennifer! I started reading your blog shortly after you went to Iceland and have found it inspirational and full of fun and good advice. I look forward to reading your blog every morning! But, I’m happy to see you occasionally take a well deserved break.
Thank you so much Susan!! I’m so glad you’re here too. Xx
Happy Birthday Jennifer!
Thanks Deborah
Have a wonderful birthday and a great new year ahead!
Thank you Jen
Happy birthday!! Hope it’s a relaxing, but joyful one! I relate to you on your fears of certain things… the horse experience, especially! You’re right, kids can challenge us to do many new and exciting things and I appreciate mine for that! Keep up the wonderful posts and helping us all along on this life journey!
Thanks Sheri! She’s challenged me to so many things. She keeps me young.
Happy Birthday, I ,too, celebrated this monrh, the big 60! I can hardly believe it. But, I’m glad I made this far, looking forward to the next chapter, and what I’ve learned is to enjoy the present, every single day. Love your posts!
Happy Birthday Karen!!! Thanks for sharing the journey with me.
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! You look wunderful, my darling!
I loved seeing the pictures of you trying new activities and enjoying them. I think your daughter is a positive influence. They tend to do that, believing we’re still young. And, we don’t want to disappoint?
I just turned 65 and still feel young inside. Don’t believe my shell. It lies! ????
Lol, I love that! My shell is lying too. I would so love to live closer to my daughter. She’s the very best there is and I miss her terribly.