A bit of a different post this week.
I'm writing this on the eve of my 60th birthday. How exciting? Or so I thought.
I’ve been giddy for weeks at the thought of my 60th birthday. Not because of the actual celebrations we have planned but because I feel like it’s an achievement.
But then this week people started to ask me how do I feel about it? About turning 60?
The very question deflated me. After feeling so positive.
It felt as if the question when asked was shaped in such a way in that maybe I should feel deflated about becoming 60. For a short time it did get me wondering is this what ageing is all about? Will I enter a virtual room where all the 60 plus women hang out feeling sorry for themselves?
I thought shit. I’m old. I’m a hag now.
For all of about 20 seconds then I checked myself.
I forced myself back to that giddy and excited girl. It’s the start of a new decade after all. And I feel bloody grateful. That’s how I really feel.
My dad died aged 32. A life less than half lived. He didn’t get to see me or my brother grow up or our wonderful children and families we’ve both created.
So no I’m not going to be in the doldrums about turning 60.
Sure there are things I don’t like about the ageing process. Just this week I’ve been discussing on my Instagram Stories about my disappearing top lip. I’d like that back please if anyone finds it!
Societal norms would have me approaching retirement and starting to think about ordering my bunion shields and funeral insurance. I’m sure those of you reading this of a similar age will have seen a fair few of these style ads in your social media feeds. That’s how we get marketed to. Shocking isn’t it?
Erm no thankyou that’s not the 60 I am or will be.
I’m going to spend the year figuring out how I can top my 50s - that’s what I’m going to do.
Here’s some of the things I’m proud I achieved in my 50’s:
I completed a half Iron Man in California for a Channel 5 tv show when I was 50
I took a job that meant I had to fly regularly .. ON MY OWN when I was 50
I overcame my life long fear of public speaking when I was 59
I won a social media and digital marketing award when I was 52
I set up this blog and won a blog award for Best Newcomer Blog 2017 when I was 54
Set up a campaign called #ThisNorthernGirlCan in the North East of England where I live to champion gender balance and promote female role models when I was 55
Encouraged 50 plus women to tag their photos on Instagram with #NotPastMyExpiryDate when I was 58
Created a digital magazine and set up a web agency with my eldest son when I was 54
Set up a social enterprise when I was 59 – Shout Louder CIC
But for now I’m in celebration mode and I’ll be writing next week’s letter from the party island; IBIZA!!!
Ciao for now x