I recently had my birthday and turned 64 years old.
Don't ask me where those years have gone.
I have been busy living my life,
Navigating the ups and downs and experiencing some amazing things.
I love birthdays and I embrace my birthday every year,
No matter my age.
But I know there are many people who don't enjoy their birthdays.
Hello,
My name is Jacqueline and welcome to my Tranquil Spirits podcast.
Now I am very aware I am well into the latest part of my life and because of this I take birthdays a lot more seriously.
Yes,
I love them and feel happy celebrating each year,
But I also realise I probably don't have a whole heap of birthdays left,
Well definitely not 64 of them.
The average life expectancy is around 83 years,
Which sounds a good old age when you are in your teens,
But scarily close to the end when you are in your 60s.
When we look at this number,
It means we only get on average 83 summers,
83 Christmases and 83 birthdays to celebrate whatever way we wish.
So why do some people of an older age shy away from telling people it's their birthday and really don't want anyone to know how old they are?
Youngsters love to talk about their birthdays and many are insistent that people know they are 6 and a half or even 15 and a half.
But when people get more into their 50s,
60s and even 70s,
They would prefer birthdays to be forgotten.
Yes,
I understand that they are being reminded that they are nearing their last birthday,
But why not celebrate the life they are living?
Here's one idea,
Instead of celebrating the number,
If that is too difficult for you to admit to being,
Celebrate the fact that you have lived another year,
As there are many people who don't live to be whatever age you are.
We all no doubt know someone who left this world before their 30th,
40th or even 60th birthday and thinking about them,
Why would we be upset when we are reaching our next birthday and beyond?
We should be embracing whatever number birthday we are.
Life is not promised to any of us.
So if you are someone who struggles with the thought that you are getting old,
Start to look at birthdays in a different way.
Be thankful that you have another year to celebrate.
Be grateful for your amazing body which has kept you alive no matter the condition of it.
Find the joy in hearing someone wish you a happy birthday for the 60th or 70th time in your life.
Be grateful that you are still able to have another birthday with your family and friends and as you get older are able to share your wisdom gained from your own life experiences to help guide the younger generation.
Believing you are old really will make you feel old.
So why not turn that negative thinking around?
One way you can do that is by practising gratitude.
What are you thankful for in your life right now at this age that you are today?
Reflecting on your life's blessings really can change the way you look at your own life.
And whatever your age,
Instead of focusing on the thought that you are too old to do anything,
Focus on things that you still want to do and find a way to do them.
Maybe you want to start a new hobby or learn something new.
Do it!
No matter your age,
It is still great to celebrate a new achievement and really does make you feel good.
Being in your 60s,
70s,
80s or even 90s doesn't mean you have to sit in a chair and wait to die.
None of us are promised a set amount of days on this earth.
But if we wake in the morning,
Why not embrace the day and see what you can achieve no matter your age?
And if it's your birthday today,
Happy birthday!
Make it the happiest one yet.
But whatever your age,
Have a beautiful day.
You deserve it.
And remember,
Always follow that dream.
Thanks for listening and I'll speak to you again soon on my next Tranquil Spirits podcast.
Bye for now!
