6.13.2021

happy birthday to me: in which i arrive at a milestone

I have been alive on this planet for 60 years. 

I don't know how that happened. It doesn't seem even remotely possible. Yet here it is. I am 60.

I keep hearing that getting older sucks. I've been hearing about it for 30 years, but have yet to see it for myself. 

There are tough things about aging, for sure. Unpleasant things. There's no denying it. But there were tough things at every stage of life. Being a child is not the proverbial picnic, nor being a teenager, nor a young adult. There are always issues, always heartache, and sometimes much worse. If we're lucky, there is also love and joy, wonder and excitement, adventure and meaning. 

Aging is a privilege. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have it. 

Thank you for being part of my life.

8 comments:

Amy said...

Happy birthday! I love your attitude and your sense of gratitude. It's definitely what helps me get over the rough spots and through the pain.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

allan said...

Happy birthday!!
I'm very fortunate to have been around for 36 of them, which is also a confusingly high number.

The Disaffected Lib said...

Sixty? You're just a kid. Relax, enjoy and a very Happy Birthday to you.

Rural said...

Bloody youngster, just keep the mind and body exercised regularly, which you seem to be doing and you may well have 2 or 3 decades left yet. Enjoy you new life out there 'on the island' probably the best move you ever made!

deang said...

Happy birthday!

laura k said...

Thank you all!

Rural: Relocating to BC was absolutely a great decision, in so many ways. But no doubt the best move I ever made was to Canada. :)

Allan has one additional Best Move: 1987, to NYC.

Love to all :)

Dusty said...

Happy birthday!

Canada's Magic said...

Happy belated birthday!