60

Today marks my 60th trip around the sun.  It feels different.  I had no pause at 40 or 50, but 60 has made me think... I am happy with my life, this marker means I am well over half way finished on this earth.

I woke up this morning thinking that I have less time in my future than is in my past.  I thought "If I am lucky, I get 20 more years".  Something about this birthday makes me take stock of my life.  Lately, I have been able to achieve a little perspective on my journey.  I feel like I have done a pretty good job being human.  Growing and becoming a better person has been my focus for a long time.

Several women I know have had special things for their birthday, but I have had this incredible year, this 60th year.  So many wonderful trips with family and friends, September to San Diego, Thanksgiving running in a 5 mile, Hawaii in January with my whole family, Charleston in June, Maine in July, looking forward to Maine at the end of August,  and a trip to Europe in November.

While travel is awesome, fostering relationships with my friends here and in Lockport, my high school classmates, my grandchildren, my daughters and their husbands, my friends here, making connections with people from the past,  making time to talk and be with my sisters, and spending time with my very best friend, Steve, these are the jewels of my life.

Deciding to reach out to my foster mom Barb at Mother's Day and changing that relationship I count among the graced moments of this past year.

 I have learned to let go of the idea that I MUST at all costs get to a place of geographical closeness with my grandchildren NOW.  I believe that the Universe/God knows what is best for me and things will unfold as they should.  I began to understand that this desire to be closer to them was just like all the other things we tell ourselves we have to have to be happy. What brings true happiness is being present and open to what is right in front of me, loving the day, focusing on what is rather than what might be.