I never thought I’d be charting a course for my next decade while stranded on the narrow roads of Ireland with a flat tire, but sometimes life’s unexpected twists force us to pause, reflect, and reevaluate our journey. It was in that moment of inconvenience, standing at the edge of a lake shimmering in the breathtaking beauty of the Irish landscape, that I realized the need to drive less, rest more, and dive deep into the boundless possibilities of my future.
As I approach my 70s, I’ve been pondering how to live life to the fullest. How can I unleash the creativity that simmers within me, yearning to break free? How do I wake up every morning with unwavering belief in the promise of a better tomorrow, immersing myself in passion and purpose, prose and artisitic expression?
The question that echoes in my heart is this: How do I craft the best chapter of my life yet?
Come December 9, the turning of the calendar will usher in a new decade, laden with the wisdom of years gone by and the thrilling anticipation of what lies ahead. The choice to seize this opportunity, to truly live it up, is solely mine to make—or to disregard.
I stand at a crossroads where I can defy societal expectations that often suggest older adults are merely biding their time. The world seems to imply that whatever we’re doing at ‘this age’ is mere inconsequential chatter, like flotsam on the surface of life. I wholeheartedly reject that notion. I choose to be noisy, to be loud, and dare I say it, to be obnoxious in my determination to declare: “It’s not over yet, baby! I’m ready to set the world on fire!”
This is my time, my moment, to embrace life with open arms and an open heart. It’s a time to cherish the unique perspective that comes with age, a perspective that is enriched by decades of experiences and lessons learned. My journey ahead is not a passive drift towards the sunset; it’s a blazing trail, illuminating the path for others to follow.
In this next chapter of my life, I am committed to leaving an indelible mark. I will pour my heart and soul into every endeavor, chase my dreams with fervour, and nurture my creativity like a precious flame. I won’t just exist; I will thrive. I will embody the belief that there’s still so much to contribute, create, and achieve, because age is not a limitation—it’s an opportunity.
So, here’s to the future, to embracing the uncharted territory that lies ahead with a fierce determination to make every day count. It’s a future filled with possibilities, and I intend to explore them all. Armed with a deeply seated love of self and humanity, a spirit embued with compassion, and a belief in the possibility of better, I declare that my 70s will be a decade of purpose, passion, and profound significance.
Watch out world! The 70s are calling and there’s no stopping me now!
Dare Boldly 
I wish you all the best on your journey ahead. I am confident that your 70s will be filled with joy, fulfillment, and significance. Your comment is a reminder that age is not a limitation, but an opportunity. It is a time to cherish our unique perspectives, chase our dreams, and nurture our creativity. It is a time to leave our mark on the world and make a difference.
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Thank you! And yes, it is a time to cherish our unique perspectives and to live fearlessly in the knowing, this is the journey of our lifetime! ❤ ❤ ❤
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That’s the spirit! There is no guidebook for the 7th decade, nor should there be one. Life is all about spontaneity, allowing the moment to take one to the unknown, not giving in to stereotypes. I view my 7th decade as the great unknown. I have so much life experience to draw upon that tackling new challenges, whether they be creative or personal, is no longer daunting.
However, I must say that taking the odd, very odd day off, is so refreshing. I stop to take in my surroundings, take stock of what I have done, what needs to be done and what I honestly can do without. Those days are spent with java, vino, single malt in hand, a good book to delve into with smooth, smoky jazz playing in the background and my journal in case I need to take note of something important. Ah yes, the memory fails at the most inopportune moments. You can even start practicing now.
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Ahhh…. the great unknown. The great mysteries. The greatness of it all!
This morning, I sit at my desk, gazing out at the nearly nude branches of the poplar trees and bushes that grace the riverbank. The air is calm and still, and the last golden leaves tenaciously cling to their branches, defying nature’s call to let go and fall.
Meanwhile, the river continues to flow, much like the relentless passage of time. It shows no signs of halting, even within winter’s Arctic embrace. It persists, ceaselessly searching for a distant open sea into which it can pour its endless stories.
I shall be like the river—always flowing, always moving, collecting stories of my journey, the places I’ve visited, the experiences I’ve had, and the people I’ve met. Fearlessly, I envision my path, navitating through this magnificent mystery of life as it unfolds before me with grace and ease, love and joy. ❤
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LG – age is math, chronology. Aging is a term too often used relating to deterioration and wearing-out of body parts we can’t replace or regenerate. The better term, I believe, is ‘living’ and whether you do that with verve, impact and celebration. I think going as fast we can in the lane with the least traffic is good advice. Someone – maybe it was me, said, ‘there are no traffic jams when you go the extra mile’ … or something like that. It’s a time for safe but confident driving – but it’s not much fun in the middle of the road and staying in your lane is a lot like ‘colouring inside the lines’ … it’s tidy and conventional, but not much fun.
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Tee hee — I can’t imagine you staying in your own lane Mark! 🙂
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Lanes were invented by government planners – but we have a human culture of going where we want to go, and going when we want to go there, safely of course – but speed is a choice we make. We can’t go fast all the time, but we can keep moving if we want. No need to take root and refuse to move …
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It’s the keeping moving that is vital! We can rest, but you’re right, taking root and refusing to move is not necessary (nor healthy!)
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She dares to live as if age is not a limitation, but an invitation to live it up with passion, purpose and profound significance….this!! Too many our age drift along instead of embracing what we can do.
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It’s so easy to fall into the trap Bernie — there’s so much ‘symbolic annihilation’ (the absence of representation of a group and the impact in media) that because we don’t seeourselves represented in the media we consume, we start to believe that we don’t matter. Of course, its exacerbated by the fact that what media is fraught with negative stereotyping which also leads people to believe and treat aging as nothing but decline and frailty.
Aging is so much more! And, I think you said it not long ago, it’s also a privilege many do not get to experience.
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Bravo! I’m only a slight step behind you and appreciate you lighting the path so I have the courage to do the same.
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We’ll have to dance together real soon Tandy! ❤
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