Things I Quit in My 60’s
I was out with Bestie J the other day. We were doing our usual drive and chat, miss a turn, turn around and do it again adventure.
We ended up in the big box store, you know the one, where you go in for a few basics and come out with a new laptop, a self flushing toilet, seasonal floral arrangements for the front door and nothing that was on your list, and at least $200.00 less than when you went in. You know the one!
So we were standing there looking at the pallets of toilet paper skyscraper high. Bestie J was deciding which to buy. The cheaper one or the one she liked. I said, “It’s only a couple of bucks more for what you prefer – get the one you want! Treat your butt to the better one.” We both stood there laughing and I said, “Well there’s a blog article!”
So this week after some thought I’m going to give you ten things I gave up in my 60’s.
* Giving a rat’s rear end what the neighbours or anyone for that matter thinks. If I want to take out the garbage in my night shirt, I will. I no longer feel the need to dress to impress, wondering what the neighbours think. I’ve spent too much time worrying about that over the years.
* Doing social things because I think I am expected to. This one feels really freeing to give up. As an introvert I embrace saying no now, and I feel so much less stress. Don’t get me wrong, I do things socially, but I pick and choose what works for me.
* Which leads me to number three, I no longer feel guilty for saying no to things that I don’t feel comfortable doing. I know my own mind and body well enough now, (took me long enough), to know if something is going to make me anxious, then I will say no thank you! And leave it at that, no discussion needed.
* I quit judging women about how they want to age. If you want to grow out your grey hair go for it, or color it a crazy shade of green, go for it. Wear makeup or not that’s your choice. I hate to see young women on social media berated for their grey hair, and it looks so good on them! The line…”You’d look better if you colored your hair.” drives me crazy. My reply to that comment would be…”You’d look better if you weren’t so rude to people.” As the saying in the 1960’s growing up goes “Live and let live man.” Which translates to
“Live your own life and mind our own business.” We need more of that now.
* I no longer take my health for granted. If I don’t look after myself, the body will repay that in the future. So while I have working legs I will walk. While I have muscles I will use them for lifting groceries, filling leaf bags etc. And don’t forget your mental health, do the word puzzles, the crosswords, keep your mind active.
* I quit rushing and worrying. I have learned to slow my roll so to speak. When I catch myself doing either, I stop and remind myself, does it really matter that much if I miss a turn driving, just turn around and do it again. Worrying only steals today’s joy while you waste time worrying about the past or future. Read that one over a few times if need be.
* I no longer deal with one sided friendships. Now I love to help people, but there should be some give and take in friendships. I’ve learned that if a friendship makes you feel unheard and used, then it’s not worth the stress on your mental health. I’ve cut people from my life for that reason and felt relief, so that tells me I did the right thing.
* I quit being hard on myself. This one is big for me. I think a lot of women of all ages can relate to this one.
So with my megaphone I shout out to you…
You don’t have to be perfect, no one is!
Stop beating yourself up for mistakes, learn and try again!
Do you, do what you can, stop comparing yourself to others!
You are worthy just as you are!
Did you hear that, was I loud enough!
Just stop being hard on yourself.
* I don’t procrastinate any more. If I want to do something I do it. Like this blog, or making my journals, or anything else that pops into my head and stays there nagging at me to do it.
Time gets shorter on this side of the hill of life, so do things before you end up on the other side of the grass.
* And my last thing to quit is thinking I shouldn’t treat myself. That’s where the Bestie J toilet paper comes in! Buy the good toilet paper, buy the good coffee, etc. Treat yourself for accomplishing goals, or just because it’s Friday and you made it through the week. Don’t go into debt and end up living in a box on the street to do it, but do treat yourself, even if it’s just good toilet paper to make your hiny happy! And always remember you are worth it!
Ok so that’s it…ten things I’ve given up in my 60’s, I’m sure there is more.
Life Experience Wisdom
* Make your own list of things to quit to make yourself feel better, both physically and especially mentally. You don’t have to wait until you are in your 60’s to do it!
Well it’s time for my walk,
As always thanks for stopping by.
Cheers til next week,
Grace
My Motto
When life throws baseball size lemons at you, that smack you upside the head, stomp on those damn things and make yourself a cocktail!