60

Tomorrow I turn 60. In many ways, I can't believe it. Honestly! I never thought I would live to see this age. I grew up during the height of the cold war and we used to have atomic bomb drills. Hello!!! Then there were the 70's and 80's. Lots of drugs, lots of drinking, lots of partying. Live fast, die young mentality. The year 2000 was coming and everything was going to change anyway. I honestly never thought I would live to see 60. But here I am, staring it in the face.

I always wanted to be that wise old woman. I'm not. I have learned a lot in my time here, but most of what I learned can't be passed on well. Most of the things I've learned have to be learned individually. Also, you have to be open to learning these things and most people are not. So I have learned, especially in the last few days, to keep my hard earned wisdom to myself.

But here are some things I have learned:

1. No one can make me think, feel, or do anything I don't want to
2. I can't make anyone think, feel, or do anything they don't want to 
3. I am in control of my thoughts and actions
4. Anger is something I just don't have time for
5. Looking forward or looking backward takes your eyes off this moment
6. All we truly have is this moment
7. Exercise is super important, especially as we age
8. Working is actually something I truly enjoy and will do as long as possible
9. Find pleasure in the small, quiet moments
10. Do things that make you happy, life is too short to be unhappy

Is that everything, no. But it's a few of the things I've learned over the years that have really stuck with me. Most of these things didn't come from age but from experience. Which I guess I couldn't have if I didn't get older. 

I'm finally comfortable in my own skin and feel like I really know myself. If this is 60 I'll take it.