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?
Happy Birthday Jennifer ???? I enjoy following your adventures and am right there with you as I turn 62 in September. My adventures are close to home as I care for my three granddaughters ages 5, 4, and 18 months while their parents work. Sometimes it’s overwhelming but they are small for such a short time. Actually, they help keep me active and I realize how fortunate I am to have them live so close to us. Many blessings for the year ahead.
Thank you Laurie! That is a lot of work. Good for you. I’m not sure I have the stamina for that but they sure are precious and it’s wonderdul to live nearby. Lucky you.
Happy birthday, dear Jennifer! Enjoy your next trip around the sun! And wishing you many, many more!
Thanks so much Kathleen!
Happy Birthday Jennifer! August 21 is a special day as it was my late brother’s birthday..he passed last year and would have turned 66 this year. He would be the first one to remind me (63 on Aug27) that life is too short not to enjoy it to the fullest. I often think that is why our first grandchild made his way into this world as my brother was leaving it. This little fellow reminds us daily of the simple joys that are all around us and that we must take the time to enjoy them. I hope you have a joyous day!
Grandchildren are such wonderful reminders of the joy in life. So sorry to hear about your brother. That’s a very painful loss. We must squeeze all the joy we can out of life. Early Happy Birthday Allison!
????Happy Birthday to You???? Jennifer!???? I hope you have a Healthy Year and be Blessed! We have so many things to be thankful for.
Thank you for your blog I enjoy it.
You look great Jennifer.
P.S. Next year Dec. 2019 I will be 60! We already have a cruise scheduled for the Mediterranean!
Thank you Holly! You’ll have a fabulous time. A cruise is a fabulous way to crjebrste the big 6 0!
Happy Birthday , Jennifer! I have had a momentous year. My husband and I just celebrated our 50th anniversary and I will turn 70 in October. We were trying to decide about downsizing and out decision was made for us last
October during the wildfires in Northern California. We escaped with the clothes on our back (me in pjs and bare foot) and our dogs. Lost everything. We relocated to Arizona near our daughter and couldn’t be happier. We only look ahead as it was just stuff (50 years worth)! We are blessed and thankful!
Oh my gosh Linda!! That’s frightening. Your attitude is the right one. Only look forward and enjoy today! That’s all we really have.
Happy, happy birthday! I look forward to your posts, you inspire me
Thank you so much Deborah.
Happy Birthday. I look forward to your blog everyday! I am 66 still working in my career of interior design but recent changes in husband’s health have me rethinking. Time does run out. I know this as my Mom passed when she was 44. Love reading al the coments!
Thank you Deborah. Our health can be so precarious we’ve got to live each day to the fullest. Sending healing thoughts to your husband.
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! My husband (73) and I (71) love to travel on road trips in the US. International travel is always interesting and educational; last year we did 3 weeks in South Africa. In a few days we’ll be off to Normandy, London and Scotland. We need to take advantage of our good health while we can because I’m sure there will come a time when travel won’t be easy any more.
Thanks so much. Now is the time to travel. Good for you!
Happy Birthday! I just turned 67 last week. I retired in June. Hub & I sold our house & mostly all our furniture & relocated from NY to Palm Desert. California a few weeks ago. We are still on the adventure! I’ve always embraced change & new challenges & now that I’m retired I expect to do more as long as I can! Live the life God gave us!
Thanks! That’s awesome of you! Good luck. We’re looking into Palm Springs again too!!
Happy Birthday Jennifer! No great adventures to share. I just want to make the best use of my time and not waste it. I would do more if retired but not there yet. I must say the years go by so quickly’ especially the last 20. I often think “What happened?” Enjoy!
Thank you Janet! That’s wise advice. Each day counts.
Happy birthday! For Mollie, have you thought about getting an electric type stair chair installed in your house? They work well and beat moving if you are happy where you live. My friend had one put in for his late wife when she was very ill and now he uses it all the time because of a bad back.
Thanks!
Happy birthday! Enjoy your year!
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!
Wishing you the happiest of 62nd birthdays Jennifer. You’re always treating us to well appreciated and wonderful glimpses of your life with fantastic tips on fashion, style, beauty and generally enjoying life after 60. Yours is my favorite daily blog. 62 is a milestone as it’s our qualifying age to elect those hard earned retirement benefits. I made that tough retirement election decision last October when I turned 62. Now I am truly enjoying life without the stress of facing those work-related decisions that benefit others and not myself. 62 brought about a move from the DC area to Florida, the purchase of a new forever home, peaceful living near the beach, travel and generally taking good care of my own needs and health. Enjoy the freedom of this age Jennifer…..you earned it!
Thank you Katelyn and a huge congratulations!! Your decision sounds perfect and I wish you the best.
Jennifer — happy birthday! Today is my birthday also, but I am now 72! Goals for this year are 10,000 steps most days of the week — with very high blood pressure, my life really depends on it. Blessings to you.
Thank you Karen!! I’m counting my steps too. They just recalled my blood pressure medicine! That was scary but they’ve started me on a better one. I hope you’re getting the care you need.
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!