At age 73, I just returned from speaking at the 2026 Iceland Ellipse Conference. Hah and free GLAMPING! But to encapsulate, I love what you say about tethering it all to meaningfulness and hope for the future. There’s plenty to complain about (and I do!) but I’m more interested in planting a stake in the future. 🙌🏻
BRAVO! That's the word my mind kept going back to as I read your essay. At 68, I too have been reading about downsizing, decluttering, blah, blah, blah. And even though that advice is given (and taken) with good intentions, I can't help but notice that it also means we're preparing to die. Well, I'm preparing to downsize and declutter so that, as I travel around the world writing about my experiences and sharing them with others, I have less to worry about the stuff left back at home. That's freedom! And it's a definition of living life to its fullest, instead of falling into the trap of believing all the "shoulds" we are told we should be doing at this stage of our lives. Can I say it again? BRAVO!
I am starting to let go of the ‘ purpose angst ‘ and accept & appreciate the things that I’m curious about now, rather than willing myself into this new phase of life with things I think I ‘ ought ‘ to be interested in pursuing based on life so far.
I’m adding borders into the garden than I’m attempting to create out of what would once have been a field.
Contemplating writing a memoir.
But perhaps more so than adding, I’m learning to appreciate where I am now and realising that it truly is enough, and that that is plenty.
how about both/and...i want to have fewer things and increasingly more meaning in each of those things. as i have moved into my ninth decade i am slowing and deepening, with gratitude and joie de vivre! starting some things/ending other things...all deliciously curated and chosen with awareness of who and how i am in each moment. thanks avivah for your joyous energy and encouragement!
At age 73, I just returned from speaking at the 2026 Iceland Ellipse Conference. Hah and free GLAMPING! But to encapsulate, I love what you say about tethering it all to meaningfulness and hope for the future. There’s plenty to complain about (and I do!) but I’m more interested in planting a stake in the future. 🙌🏻
BRAVO! That's the word my mind kept going back to as I read your essay. At 68, I too have been reading about downsizing, decluttering, blah, blah, blah. And even though that advice is given (and taken) with good intentions, I can't help but notice that it also means we're preparing to die. Well, I'm preparing to downsize and declutter so that, as I travel around the world writing about my experiences and sharing them with others, I have less to worry about the stuff left back at home. That's freedom! And it's a definition of living life to its fullest, instead of falling into the trap of believing all the "shoulds" we are told we should be doing at this stage of our lives. Can I say it again? BRAVO!
Go, adventure, live. So much better than declutter downsize then die.
Love your color scheme!! I’ve also just heard about using AI to suggest a room arrangement. My house here in Maine is tiny but I’m gonna try it!
I am starting to let go of the ‘ purpose angst ‘ and accept & appreciate the things that I’m curious about now, rather than willing myself into this new phase of life with things I think I ‘ ought ‘ to be interested in pursuing based on life so far.
I’m adding borders into the garden than I’m attempting to create out of what would once have been a field.
Contemplating writing a memoir.
But perhaps more so than adding, I’m learning to appreciate where I am now and realising that it truly is enough, and that that is plenty.
Yup. Wise.
Yes, yes and yes! Miss you, Avivah, and Happy Birthday :)
I'm adding people. No new things - just people. It's great.
yup, that sounds pretty perfect. I promise to do the same thing when I'm on your age. For now, daisy cushions!
how about both/and...i want to have fewer things and increasingly more meaning in each of those things. as i have moved into my ninth decade i am slowing and deepening, with gratitude and joie de vivre! starting some things/ending other things...all deliciously curated and chosen with awareness of who and how i am in each moment. thanks avivah for your joyous energy and encouragement!