On turning 60

Every decade brings its ups and downs. I remember when I turned 50 and felt weird for a day or two. After that, life was normal again. Turning 60 was a very different experience. I actually felt a little lost in the first few months and questioned everything.

It seems recent research found that one in three people over the age of 60 will go through this experience. Personally I'm always grateful for some stock taking, some slower times in order to make the next leap forward. Age is just a number, but it is also ok to acknowledge how we feel at different stages in our lives.

I enjoy imparting some of my hard earned wisdom - that's what all those years in psychotherapy and actual living have brought me. I've been reflecting on the last 60 years and everything I've learned, so I thought I'd share the most important lessons. 

•  1. Make peace with your past so it doesn't screw up the present.
•  2. Life isn't always fair, but it's still damn good.
•  3. Despite what you might have heard, you can shape your own life.
•  4. Trust your gut - your inner wisdom is always right.
•  5. Have more fun.
•  6. Mindfulness is the key to so many doors.
•. 7. Comparison is the thief of joy. Stay in your own lane, there's no traffic there.
•  8. Chasing fame is unsatisfactory - chase meaning and purpose.
•  9. What doesn't kill you sure does make you stronger.
• 10. What goes up must come down.
• 11. If you don't ask, you don't get.
• 12. You don't have to always win every argument. Agree to disagree.
• 13. Step out of your comfort zone.
• 14. Do what you love every day.
• 15. Compromise is underrated.
• 16. Patience is a true virtue.
• 17. Overnight success is a myth.
• 18. It's good to talk. Express how you're feeling.
• 19. However good or bad a situation is - this too shall pass.
• 20. Time heals almost everything. Give time the time it deserves.
• 21. You are not your job.
• 22. It's not the destination, it's the journey.
• 23. Make your life as colourful as possible.
• 24. Live in the present. It's the best place to be.
• 25. Mindless consumerism is just another addiction. Seek inner fulfilment instead.
• 26. Empathy is the lifeline to every relationship.
• 27. We are all just people.
• 28. Children get only one childhood. It's the foundation for the rest of their lives.
• 29. Prevention is better than reaction.
• 30. Be gracious, be humble and remember your roots.
• 31. Be an eternal student.
• 32. It's definitely quality over quantity.
• 33. It's good to cry. Having a witness is even better.
• 34. 'The unexamined life is not worth living' is the best quote ever.
• 35. Life is short. Make it your priority.
• 36. Curiosity is the gateway to an exciting and rich life.
• 37. Respect the elderly. They have a lot to teach us.
• 38. Beauty comes and goes. Invest in values and wisdom instead.
• 39. Go and find your tribe.
• 40. There was life before the internet. Seek it out.
• 41. Gather an emotional toolbox. It will come handy. 
• 42. Give your time, not just money.
• 43. Wholesome food is a great healer.
• 44. Knowledge is power.
• 45. A woman comes into her own at 40.
• 46. Be 'playful' and 'childish' at any age.
• 47. The best is still to come. Make every year your best year yet.
• 48. Learn from mistakes - it builds resilience.
• 49. Vulnerability shows strength.
• 50. 'Love' is the answer to life and it comes in many disguises.
• 51. A breakdown is a prelude to a breakthrough.
• 52. Change is the only constant.
• 53. It's OK to outgrow people and 'things'.
• 54. Pay attention to yellow flags - act before you get into red flag territory.
• 55. Let go of any regrets and forgive yourself.
• 56. Ageing is a privilege.