Sixty Plus Years

In the sixty plus years that I have been on this earth, I’ve learned a few lessons. Some I remember, some I have not.  Whether or not this happens by choice or by randomness, I’m not quite sure. In honor of Steve’s friendship and 60^th Birthday I am sending some thoughts about the “60’s Years.” Steve asked if there was anyone of his friends that were willing to share in his sixtieth year of life by writing a little about themselves. I met Steve in the mid 1990’s at Scribes Writer’s group in Schaumburg, Illinois. Since he and Lisa moved to Texas, we have corresponded by e-mail, writing about our jobs, our hobbies, family and pets.  I hope what I chose to share will be enjoyed, and that Steve and friends can take something from this writing that will help in their journey toward their sixtieth year and beyond. 

     I’ll admit the older I get, the more experiences I have, the more confused I’ve become.  Confusion insofar that it makes me ask more questions and examine things more closely. At the other end of confusion is confidence.  I have become more confident in many ways. I’ve found that I’m more sure that I can handle situations in my life if I stay true to myself, be in tune with my Creator. This has enabled me to know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in the big scheme of things. It’s taken me a long time to learn. 

       Gratefulness has become a big part of my life in recent years. As I look around at all the wonderful things that we as Americans have been endowed with is sometimes overpowering.  Yes, there is chaos in our world now for many reasons, but if viewed in a positive manner, can help us realize that it’s time to help each other and to work together to make changes for the better. A good starting point for change is within our family. The rest is sure to follow. 

      As I reluctantly gave in to the ‘golden years’, I realized there’s something to be said for simplifying. As time passed, it became a natural process, a sort of pull toward eliminating all the unnecessary things accumulated during a lifetime. I’ve found as I began to clear the junk from my surroundings, the junk I was holding on to in my mind began to dissipate, my body began to relax.  People who have known me for sometime tag me with the trait of an easygoing person with a sauntering walk. They’re right! I ‘ve worked on this for a long time, the more stuff I let go of, the less stuff I have to carry and the clearer my  mind becomes. It’s an ongoing process, every day I take one more little step. I figure I may be done by the time I am called home. 

        Socrates, one of my favorite ancient philosophers said “An unexamined life is not worth living.”  On the other hand, Robert Fulghum, a more modern philosopher said “the examined life is no picnic.” Somewhere in-between these two guys should be a good balance.   Ah…that elusive life’s balance that seems to always challenge us! 

       There are many issues that I still struggle with in my sixty plus years. No doubt I’ll continue to do so until the end of my days here. I take this as a good sign. I am still learning, still hoping, still listening for the voice within quietly guiding each step I take, that is when I remember to ask. 

 

      Thank you Steve,for your encouragement as a writer and a friend throughout the years.

      Good Luck Steve in your journey through the 60’s.  I wish you continued health, many blessings, most of all love and peace. 

                                               HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Sandra Mordini-04/2011