tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post700435260372058116..comments2024-03-18T20:05:47.522+08:00Comments on Cresting The Hill: RECEIVING A MIDLIFE WAKE UP CALLLeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-84898611508833044312020-11-11T12:09:35.812+08:002020-11-11T12:09:35.812+08:00Corinne I think we're the first generation to ...Corinne I think we're the first generation to really define a second half of life and to give ourselves permission to enjoy it on our own terms. There's still the responsibility of ageing parents and sending our kids and grandkids into the world, but there's also time to focus on ourselves - and I'm loving that and intend to make the most of it.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-6756947763505514902020-11-09T18:18:34.475+08:002020-11-09T18:18:34.475+08:00Aren't we the lucky ones who get to choose how...Aren't we the lucky ones who get to choose how to define and redefine our lives, Leanne? I begin to wonder if the generations before us thought of these things at all. I know, in India, many women really have no choice - they are so rigidly defined by their roles. And yet, there are many other women who've broken with tradition and created the 'second half' of their lives to be all they want it to be. <br />Corinne Rodrigueshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11142098428026084994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-4549521115169695172020-11-08T13:34:22.748+08:002020-11-08T13:34:22.748+08:00Hi Leslie - I know exactly what you mean about the...Hi Leslie - I know exactly what you mean about the loss of physical contact with our loved ones. We were fortunatate that our govt got the covid thing under control fairly quickly, but those few months of no contact with my kids and grandgirls just killed my heart - and I imagine it must be unbearable for those who've been missing out for nearly a year.<br />I love that you held vivacious in your heart - I'm holding vibrant in mine - it's nice to have a positive descriptor given to you by an outsider - such an affirmation xxLeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-16922041554274770472020-11-07T06:57:06.817+08:002020-11-07T06:57:06.817+08:00I agree with Erica, there are so many great respon...I agree with Erica, there are so many great responses in the comments to your post. Vibrant is a terrific word. I believe your DIL hit the nail on the head. When I was in the 8th grade, I think, a friend's mom said I was 'vivacious'. At the time, I didn't know what the word meant. When the woman was out of ear shot, I asked my mom what vivacious was. And I have worn that word in my heart ever since.<br /><br />I am grumpy and disgruntled that we have kind of lost an entire year of this Act II by being locked away, hiding from Covid. Many of us have filled the time rediscovering activities we once loved, and finding new things to try. But I have missed the ability to visit my daughter and granddaughter, to hold my mom. To travel somewhere. I resent this lost time. onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14496967140182523960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-85489515917927801652020-11-06T11:10:57.263+08:002020-11-06T11:10:57.263+08:00Hi Judith - I think we have so much to offer - the...Hi Judith - I think we have so much to offer - the world may think that the young "influencers" are the flavour of the month, but I think we mature women know who we are, what we want, and where we're heading - we don't need to be carbon copies of each other - and that makes every one of us special doesn't it?Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-40033028856481861132020-11-06T11:08:44.022+08:002020-11-06T11:08:44.022+08:00Wow Eva! Your life sounds amazing and I'm defi...Wow Eva! Your life sounds amazing and I'm definitely popping over to check out your blog. I love how you were brave enough to make such a big move and the weather must be amazing after living in such a cold place previously. I can't believe how great life is post 50 - I think it's actually better than being in our 30's - and I think our 60's are looking pretty good too.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-34698692376168727692020-11-06T11:06:41.995+08:002020-11-06T11:06:41.995+08:00Hi Denyse - I love that other bloggers are living ...Hi Denyse - I love that other bloggers are living fantastic lives in decades I haven't reached yet. There are so many who are thriving in their 60's and several (like you) who are making the 70's look amazing too. I love that we seem to be getting more vibrant and interesting as we age - definitely not fading into the wallpaper!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-50517264874170830672020-11-06T11:04:47.680+08:002020-11-06T11:04:47.680+08:00Hi Deb - I think Bring It On might be a battle cry...Hi Deb - I think Bring It On might be a battle cry for our sixties? What do you think? I'm using turning 60 as my motivation to kick start the next phase of my life - I have a year to prepare and you'll be leading the charge with me right behind you - Tally Ho!!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-75332269441162601772020-11-06T11:03:24.523+08:002020-11-06T11:03:24.523+08:00Hi Christie - I can't believe how much I'm...Hi Christie - I can't believe how much I'm loving my life right now. If you'd asked me at 30 how I thought my late 50's would be, I'd have had no idea how great they'd be! I love that 60 is looking pretty appealing too - surprisingly so - and I intend to make the decade ahead even more fabulous than the one that's almost wrapped up.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-65592127047908254672020-11-06T11:01:50.461+08:002020-11-06T11:01:50.461+08:00Hi Sam - yes I imagine that a cancer diagnosis wou...Hi Sam - yes I imagine that a cancer diagnosis would certainly be a wake up call to live your best life every day. For those of us who were just pootling along, a big birthday can also be a kick up the butt to do something with the decade ahead. I'm looking down the tunnel at 60 and I want it to be another boost to living a great life - and I'm putting my plans in place to be ready to rock it!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-35106401765155072572020-11-05T23:11:43.086+08:002020-11-05T23:11:43.086+08:00So inspiring this blog is! I love your comment &qu...So inspiring this blog is! I love your comment "What a waste it'd be to have lived for fifty years and then given up on the opportunities that the next fifty have in store for us." And we have so much wisdom to share, even though we are still learning. The world needs our vibrant selves. Judith Pratt-Jefferies Author and Learning Coachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03475371618832173140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-70640671401067418682020-11-05T00:11:30.221+08:002020-11-05T00:11:30.221+08:0050 is the new 30... Biological & mental age is...50 is the new 30... Biological & mental age is the key, to your birth certificate. When I retired, I decided to move from Norway and restart my life in the beautiful Canary Islands (spring-summer all year round). I love my new life, my freedom and my fantastic lifestyle. My family is visiting me - and I am visiting them, and even if it is 6 hours in the air between us, we are closer than ever. I knew no-one here, but now I have fantastic friends and neighbours, and as patronising ageism is not an issue here, I enjoy life like never before. I have just published some books at Amazon (4 weeks to a New Life), and I have a blog - www.evasundene.com. My hope is to inspire women of all ages to make the best out of their looks and their lives. You are all beautiful, it is just a question of knowing how... and what to do. Love to hear from you, you can all be who you want to be.... Love & hugs from eva. Eva Sundenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05763443388712861679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-10754443894228505582020-11-04T16:46:14.211+08:002020-11-04T16:46:14.211+08:00Always interesting to read your words Leanne. I do...Always interesting to read your words Leanne. I don't recall thinking anything age-related at 50. I was a school principal, had a lovely family and two granddaughters. My work world fell apart at 52. But by 53 I took myself back to teaching. It was by 60 I knew I wanted to retire (next week I have written about it for my Wed post) and by 65 I had enough of other paid work. However getting to 70 was a triumph because of the cancer etc but also because I feel the best I have in years! Celebrating age! We have our Golden Wedding Anniversary in January and we are very proud of that. Thanks for linking up for Life This Week. Next week, the optional prompt is 45/51 Share Your Snaps #9 9.11.2020 and I would love to see you there! Denyse.Denyse Whelan.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16888810644186418559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-19632305154272612872020-11-04T13:49:22.774+08:002020-11-04T13:49:22.774+08:00Great post to read Leanne! I love how you are prog...Great post to read Leanne! I love how you are progressing and sharing your thoughts with us along the way. Sharing wisdom is a very generous gift to give. As you know I'm almost 60, only a few weeks to go, and it doesn't feel much different so far but I know I've changed over the last decade. I love the word 'vibrant' and would attribute that to you! Bring it on - is my advice!!!!!!Deb's Worldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12706654888846671781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-65874291482198143252020-11-04T09:21:14.671+08:002020-11-04T09:21:14.671+08:00Thank you Leanne. Truer words were never spoken: i...Thank you Leanne. Truer words were never spoken: it's a pretty darn fabulous time to be alive! Even when life is challenging, it still beats the alternative. Each morning I remind myself,"I am full of gratitude for another day on this earth." Here's to living each day to its fullest--whether that means snuggling in for a good read or a night out on the town.Christie Hawkeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14897036282962474586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-34857073244990909612020-11-03T15:40:48.012+08:002020-11-03T15:40:48.012+08:00Well, I'm not yet 50 (but pretty close) and I ...Well, I'm not yet 50 (but pretty close) and I can really relate to everything in the post. I think I started a bit early and my cancer diagnoses might have accelerated things somewhat - there's nothing like a life threatening illness to motivate you to live your best life and do what makes you happy. I love that Beardsley Jones quote - words to live by indeed! Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10326825231887812726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-49461055393872028092020-11-03T09:22:11.259+08:002020-11-03T09:22:11.259+08:00Hi Michele - my husband would absolutely agree wit...Hi Michele - my husband would absolutely agree with you. He went back to study in his early 50's (much to my horror!) and went from being an Advertising/Marketing person to being a Family Counsellor - he's so much happier, so much more in his "zone" and so good at what he does - and I'm so glad he went ahead with it instead of playing safe and listening to my doom and gloom projections! He loves the study and signs up for webinars all the time. I'm more chilled and happy being in my space - but we're each finding that life after 50/60 is just so great - I think we're both happy and in sync for the first time in a very long time!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-73844064679097707852020-11-03T09:18:42.757+08:002020-11-03T09:18:42.757+08:00Hi Jennifer - I think deep in your heart you'v...Hi Jennifer - I think deep in your heart you've made the decision and your head is just waiting to catch up. When you dig deep I know you'll feel the confidence to make the right choice - and I'll cheer you on.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-3157671794807758342020-11-03T09:17:46.169+08:002020-11-03T09:17:46.169+08:00Hi Jo - I think the sticky part is trying to figur...Hi Jo - I think the sticky part is trying to figure out what gives each of us true "meaning" in our lives - what works for one is completely different to what works for another. I'm still trying to find my "sweet spot" but I have so many mornings now where I actually do a little happy dance in my kitchen because I love my life so much - that's got to be a good indicator that I'm on the right track doesn't it?Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-65321272125529673032020-11-03T09:16:08.326+08:002020-11-03T09:16:08.326+08:00Hi Natalie - I always admire your self-confidence ...Hi Natalie - I always admire your self-confidence and the ability you have to live a full life on your own terms - it's something I certainly aspire to!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-53911499587586920662020-11-03T09:14:03.694+08:002020-11-03T09:14:03.694+08:00Hi Pat - I feel like Suzanne said it well - life i...Hi Pat - I feel like Suzanne said it well - life is all about ebb and flow.... we have those times where we're ticking boxes left, right and centre.... and then we have times where we get to sit back and enjoy the moon and some music. I think if we allow ourselves the grace to go with the flow, then life becomes magic - and we appreciate it so much more. I also think that it's the blue moons we'll remember more later down the track - not the frenetically busy times!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-75530531682590566592020-11-03T09:11:45.728+08:002020-11-03T09:11:45.728+08:00It's funny Laurie - I really did worry that I ...It's funny Laurie - I really did worry that I was becoming completely irrelevant - living a bit of a Ground Hog life. Then, the upheaval and changes happened and I'm on a new and different path - one I feel fits me so much better - and I'm loving only being answerable to myself and allowing myself to be "real" - life is great!Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-62329098880135428412020-11-03T09:10:26.918+08:002020-11-03T09:10:26.918+08:00I feel a bit the same way Suzanne - I watch some o...I feel a bit the same way Suzanne - I watch some of my friends who are re-inventing themselves and starting new endeavours and I feel a bit tired! Then again, I feel like there's still more to come, more to discover, and more to "be" - so I'm ebbing and flowing too - and allowing what the future holds to arrive when it's ready xLeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05623420015695351280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-27196196267789470692020-11-03T08:23:36.149+08:002020-11-03T08:23:36.149+08:00The good news is, if you missed that wake up call ...The good news is, if you missed that wake up call in your 40's or 50's, there is still hope. And maybe it is that there are second, third and fourth calls. My second came in my mid 40's after my children had gone off on their own and I heard a call to ministry. I discovered as a 40 something college student, that I loved school and I loved learning. That love of learning has lead me through three degrees and lots of growth and opportunities. Retirement brought a new call, and thanks to the bloggers I connected with near the end of my 60's, and the encouragement that retirement didn't have to be one t hing set in cement, I found a new call yet on my 70th birthday. I share this for anyone who might think, "shucks" I missed it. keep your options open, keep growing and seeking and shining. Michele Somervillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00440136020753502964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4722898771124083282.post-62228179310406553252020-11-03T06:43:20.353+08:002020-11-03T06:43:20.353+08:00I haven’t quite got me next act sorted yet. Just w...I haven’t quite got me next act sorted yet. Just waiting for the decision on work to come to me. Your post gives me so much to think about as I work towards making that decision Jennifer Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12242401238970209578noreply@blogger.com