Now, I’m tired. This isn’t how I want to pace my 60s.. How do you do it?
For me Covid was the natural break. It is a change of pace, with more time to be. Listening inside – do I really want to do something? Whilst more money is always nice, I’m not saying yes if it will extend me.
I’m working on two books, one is a spin off from the first and I use the word rhythm a lot, It can ebb and flow, it can go fast and slow, but it needs to suit the person I am now, which of course can change.
I’m now also dealing with personal chores on a regular basis rather than letting them pile up – amazing how that is calming rather than to turn into a big thing!
yes, because 1 book isn't enough!! good for you Denise. And i agree, there is a distinct ebb and flow. And i'm making less of a distinction between personal and professional... chores or fun or bills. It's all in the mix and the dose isn't it?
Covid was definitely a huge discovery. And I was surprised how much i enjoyed being limited. I no longer have any fear of being limited to one room in later life. I suspect I'll enjoy the excuse to do nothing but read...
I'm moving to Sunday as a day of rest; to be off technology and to read or dream, usually in my wood, in a hammock. Indeed it is all life and increasingly so as we get older and perhaps stop the striving. I'm always in awe of how much you do, you certainly live life! but sometimes as you are reflecting it is time to take a different path
I was genuinely surprised, and deeply inspired by the pace of your week, Avivah. At first, I thought: How does she still do all that in her 60s? But then it struck me… maybe that's exactly what motivates me too.
Not the speed but the presence. The sense of still being fully in the world, shaping conversations, showing up with purpose. Thank you for modeling what’s possible, not just for longevity but for meaning!
And there were two Nobel Laureates at the conference showing how it’s done in out 80s. Differently paced perhaps, but deeply engaged and powerfully present.
I’m not a Nobel Laureate but still going strong at 81. I don’t do or take on as much as I did in my sixties (when I wrote multiple books and regularly attended conferences) but I’m still in the game, motivated by a special group of friends (“my old ladies”) in their 90s and 100s who give me a realistic portrait of what might lie ahead for me. Their lives give me the strength to cope with the hard things that age can bring and remind me that each year is a gift. I don’t do less now because I can’t — but because I’m trying, as 104-ye-old Zelda often said, “to squeeze every bit of toothpaste out of that tube!”
I'm a bit suspicious of the very American definition of successful ageing as a 'productive' time. I don't want to keep 'doing' necessarily, but get more intentional about the balance with 'being.'
Toothpaste is life! Zelda did just that. She lived almost to 105, always looking for the good, always connecting with people. In that respect, I try to be like her.
Now, I’m tired. This isn’t how I want to pace my 60s.. How do you do it?
For me Covid was the natural break. It is a change of pace, with more time to be. Listening inside – do I really want to do something? Whilst more money is always nice, I’m not saying yes if it will extend me.
I’m working on two books, one is a spin off from the first and I use the word rhythm a lot, It can ebb and flow, it can go fast and slow, but it needs to suit the person I am now, which of course can change.
I’m now also dealing with personal chores on a regular basis rather than letting them pile up – amazing how that is calming rather than to turn into a big thing!
yes, because 1 book isn't enough!! good for you Denise. And i agree, there is a distinct ebb and flow. And i'm making less of a distinction between personal and professional... chores or fun or bills. It's all in the mix and the dose isn't it?
Covid was definitely a huge discovery. And I was surprised how much i enjoyed being limited. I no longer have any fear of being limited to one room in later life. I suspect I'll enjoy the excuse to do nothing but read...
I'm moving to Sunday as a day of rest; to be off technology and to read or dream, usually in my wood, in a hammock. Indeed it is all life and increasingly so as we get older and perhaps stop the striving. I'm always in awe of how much you do, you certainly live life! but sometimes as you are reflecting it is time to take a different path
I was genuinely surprised, and deeply inspired by the pace of your week, Avivah. At first, I thought: How does she still do all that in her 60s? But then it struck me… maybe that's exactly what motivates me too.
Not the speed but the presence. The sense of still being fully in the world, shaping conversations, showing up with purpose. Thank you for modeling what’s possible, not just for longevity but for meaning!
And there were two Nobel Laureates at the conference showing how it’s done in out 80s. Differently paced perhaps, but deeply engaged and powerfully present.
Thank you, Avivah, for showing us that presence can scale across decades, and even gain dimension with time.
Being v doing: Balance is my most recent life lesson. First priority is to simply let it settle in like a new friend. Then we can move on.
I’m not a Nobel Laureate but still going strong at 81. I don’t do or take on as much as I did in my sixties (when I wrote multiple books and regularly attended conferences) but I’m still in the game, motivated by a special group of friends (“my old ladies”) in their 90s and 100s who give me a realistic portrait of what might lie ahead for me. Their lives give me the strength to cope with the hard things that age can bring and remind me that each year is a gift. I don’t do less now because I can’t — but because I’m trying, as 104-ye-old Zelda often said, “to squeeze every bit of toothpaste out of that tube!”
I'm a bit suspicious of the very American definition of successful ageing as a 'productive' time. I don't want to keep 'doing' necessarily, but get more intentional about the balance with 'being.'
How do you define toothpaste Melinda?
Oh, and I agree about “productive“ aging. The very definition changes with the years. LOL
Toothpaste is life! Zelda did just that. She lived almost to 105, always looking for the good, always connecting with people. In that respect, I try to be like her.
yes, life. exactly. You certainly model that Melinda!
Thank you!