Sixty. It’s a number that feels both substantial and surreal. In many ways, it marks a pivot—a place to pause, look back, and look forward. Approaching this milestone, I find myself reflecting on the journey so far and the road that lies ahead. March is approaching fast and I am a sea of emotions that seem to change as fast as the tide.

In my twenties, life felt like a race. Everything was about chasing dreams, building a career, and finding my place in the world. I remember the energy, the optimism, and sometimes the anxiety of trying to figure it all out. My thirties brought new dimensions—raising a family, strengthing my marriage, and learning to balance the demands of my career and home. We were lucky to have my mom and dad living just a block away from us so the burdens of these navigations were eased by their help and for that I will forever be grateful. By my forties, I began to recognize the value of self-care and the importance of saying no, it was my forties that solidified my love of health, and wellness. And in my fifties, I started to feel a sense of clarity—a confidence in who I am and what truly matters. In my fifties, I discovered my love of spirituality and enjoyed exploring the possibility of travel. I am confident that in my forties I would not have had the courage or gumption to leave California and travel to live in a new country.

Now, as I approach 60, I feel a mix of emotions. There is pride in what I’ve accomplished, gratitude for the people I’ve loved, and curiosity about what’s still to come. But there’s also a recognition that time is precious—a resource I once took for granted but now cherish deeply. I am so thankful for each decade because I have grown so much. My reflection sometimes leaves me wondering if there is something left in me I have not explored, but I try not to force anything and just sit with it and watch it unfold.

Physically, the years have left their marks. Wrinkles and gray hairs tell the story of a life lived, and though my body is not as strong as it once was, it carries me forward with resilience and grace. I sometimes get anxious when I think of the new aches and pains that have appeared but then I flip to the fact that I am thankful I can still walk a Camino and get up and workout with weights and continue to want to make my body stronger. Emotionally, I feel richer in so many ways. I feel so much gratitude sometimes it feels unreal. The challenges I’ve faced have taught me resilience, and the joys I’ve experienced have deepened my capacity for love and empathy.

What excites me most about this next chapter is the freedom it offers. The pressures of proving myself have eased, replaced by a desire to savor life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s traveling to a new adventure Mike and I have dreamed of or exploring a new hobby ( I am still working on the piano playing and still sucking at it lol ) or simply enjoying a quiet morning with a good book, I’m determined to make the most of this time. Honestly I still have moments of feeling lost as the decades before seemed to been rooted with a purpose and now although I still have a purpose it is less grounded. I will continue to work through these feelings and see where it lands me.

If I could share a few messages with my younger self, it would be these: Trust the journey. Life will surprise you in ways you can’t imagine, and even the hardest moments will shape you into someone stronger and wiser. Worry less about what others think and focus more on what brings you joy. Stop fretting over what could be and focus on what is. Remember that 80% of the things you worried about never happened. When you run across that person who does something stupid that annoys you remind yourself that you do not know their story and then let it go.

To any of my friends nearing 60 or already there: let’s celebrate this milestone. It’s not an ending but a continuation—a chance to embrace who we are and look forward to all that’s still possible. The past has shaped us, but the future is ours to create. Here’s to sixty and all the beauty it brings. Hmmmm what do you think my seventies will hold?

I woud love to hear your thoughts on aging. We are all here with a different journey.