60 Laps Around the Sun: Unwrapping the Gift of Now
About a 6-minute read
Today marks my 60th trip around the sun. Holy cow! Saying it out loud feels like I’m announcing a high score in an arcade game – and what a game it's been! While I know that age is just a number, I can't ignore the bittersweet realisation that I've likely got fewer laps to go than I've completed. Don’t get me wrong - I don’t mean that in a negative way at all. Today's all about connection, reflection, and a whole lot of confection. 🎉🎂
I’ve had a great life so far. That’s not to say that I haven’t been riding the rollercoaster that we call reality - I’ve had some pretty significant challenges, lows, and downright awful times, but each one contributed to the masterpiece I call 'me.' And, frankly, I'm quite fond of the artist this life has shaped me into.
In the spirit of sharing (and because who doesn't love a good list?), I present to you "60 Juli-isms" – a smorgasbord of reflections, one for each year of life. Dive in, and who knows? You might just find a nugget or two that resonates.
It takes too much energy to care about trivial things. I’m upgrading to only stressing about things worthy of my energy.
Understanding what’s meaningful can make a difference in your daily experiences.
What’s meaningful for one person will be completely different for someone else and that’s 100% OK.
Respect differences. We can agree to disagree and get along just fine. No one’s beliefs are more “right” than someone else’s.
Don’t believe everything you think.
The labels and stories we carry in our subconscious minds aren’t necessarily ours and it’s OK to give them back to the person they belong to.
Someday is not a day of the week. Do it NOW. (Said as a recovering procrastinator.)
Music brings richness to life; listen often to what you enjoy.
Dancing feels good and it doesn’t matter if you don’t think you’re good at it. Dance anyway. It’s one of the best anti-depressants there is!
Our bodies were made to move. Stop being a statue and move your ass!
Biological age doesn’t matter much, so there’s no such thing as “acting your age.”
I’m going to wear my hair the way I like it and I don’t care what anyone else says.
I can wear whatever clothes I want. The fashion police can stick it.
I’m not too old to wear a bikini to the beach. If you don’t like the way I look, don’t look.
My wrinkles are the result of being blessed enough to express emotions, have experiences, and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. I don’t want to hide them.
If my weight fluctuates, it doesn’t diminish who I am in any way.
Lifting heavy things feels GOOD when my body has the energy to do it.
Seeing the world from a bicycle is a beautiful way to experience it.
Sometimes you’re just going to eat the fucking cookie. Own it.
Treat your body like a temple, not a storage unit. Self-care wins every time.
Your inner bully needs to be shown who’s boss.
Enjoying a delicious meal over 3 hours is not only possible, it’s wonderful.
You don’t need to be entertained 24/7. Unplug. Breathe. Learn how to be comfortable with yourself and your own thoughts.
The more you try to stuff down your emotions, the more boldly they will show themselves. It’s like having a label that says “Contents may explode when shaken.”
Beliefs are not facts. Assess your own from time to time.
Surrounding yourself with pictures of friends and family is a great way to bring your smile back on difficult days.
Stay in touch with your friends and family. The time passes more quickly than you think.
Just because you’re a specific biological age doesn’t mean you feel any older inside.
Age does not equal maturity.
Beautiful bodies come in all shapes and sizes. I’ve stopped trying to change mine to something it isn’t, or to meet some impossible standard set by people who don’t give a toss about me or the amazing person I am.
No matter where you go, there you are. I’ve learned that the hard way.
There are things from your past that you need to confront and then let go of.
Gelato and ice cream are NOT the same thing.
It’s OK to say no sometimes. Your happiness may depend on it.
Working tons of hours won’t make you successful or happy.
Don’t eat lunch at your desk. Unless you’re performing emergency surgery, there’s nothing that can’t wait until you’ve taken a break to refresh and restore.
Get rid of all the stuff. You don’t need it. In the flight of life, baggage fees are astronomical.
Experiences last longer than cheesy gifts and are much more appreciated.
The sunrise is a beautiful, peaceful time of day. There’s magic in the mornings.
Enjoying a brilliant sunset is a lovely way to peacefully wind down.
Reading is a great way to engage your mind and stimulate creativity.
Spiders are icky.
Mosquitoes are proof that Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humour.
Being religious doesn’t automatically make you a good person.
You can be spiritual and not go to church, and it doesn’t make you evil.
People will come and go from your life and that’s OK. Enjoy each moment.
Regret sucks. Don’t live with regret - heal the wound, do the thing, or apologize.
Sometimes a sunny day is all you need to lift your spirits.
You do have a choice in how you respond to the things that happen in your life.
You definitely get more of what you focus on, so focus wisely.
Never stop learning.
Growing things is a great way to connect to the earth, even if it’s a small potted plant.
Puppy breath is the best smell in the whole world.
Hugs heal.
Taking time to reflect is important.
You’re not always right. The bigger person is willing to admit that.
Talk to yourself the way you would talk to your best friend. Because you are your best friend.
Being curious about things that don’t feel comfortable is the best way to learn from them.
Once in a row doesn’t make a habit, but every habit has to start with the first time.
Be authentically you. There’s only one of you and the world needs your gifts.
Phew! That's quite the countdown, isn't it? Each Juli-ism is a bead in the necklace of my narrative, strung together with laughter, lessons, and a dash of sass. Well, and sarcasm. Have you met me?!?!?!
Celebrating a birthday is a privilege, and I’m grateful to be here. It's a time when we can look in the rear-view mirror, admire the scenery, and then rev up for the road ahead. This new decade? It's an open highway where adventures, dreams, and, of course, the occasional pit stop for cake await me.
So, what's next? Well, there's a 20-mile bike ride with my hubby this afternoon because that's how this 60-year-old rolls! Wheels of wisdom, gears of growth, and the breeze of possibility – that’s my kind of ride.
Cheers to the next lap! 🥂
Have a health of a day,
Juli