NOW AT 60

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When I was younger, (20s and 30s in particular) I couldn’t have imagined being 60. It seemed so far away, inconsequential and not remotely worthy of consideration. I was madly in love with my hubby and our children and my primary focus was their wants and needs. My secondary focus was my hair, (I used to sport an Egyptian bob with bangs – IMAGINE THAT!) fashion, and my career as an event planner. My life was full, happy and satisfying.

Now at 60, I find myself standing at the threshold of a very new and exciting era personally and professionally that involves not just living life, but appreciating it even more. Some of the simplest things bring me joy – including a good manicure, that special dress that hugs my body perfectly, (I found the most amazing dress to wear for my upcoming anniversary celebration in denim with a slight hint of a train. Trust me…IT’S HOT!!) the smell of fresh brewed coffee on cold winter mornings, the idyllic ambiance my hubby creates featuring his favorite jazz musicians as we prepare dinner together, sunset dinners on our patio in the trees, and/or the simple sound of my hubby’s voice saying good night as we finalize the day in a cuddled embrace.

I have learned that there is so much joy in simplicity.

What I’ve learned the most is that love really is the foundation and when we really put it into practice the results it yields are unimaginable. Just a month ago, our 2 sons and their beautiful wives came home at the same time for a visit. We went to the aquarium, invited some of their old friends over (and some of ours) for an evening party on the lower lawn and spent long hours laughing in the kitchen. At various times, I decided to remove myself and become an observer. I watched the genuine happiness of my family, the commitment and relevance that they shared with each other and their friends and I realized that relationships are a form of architecture. When they are built with a solid structure of dependability, reliability, understanding, forgiveness, love, trust and hope that stems from a GODLY education and reliance on GOD, they are immovable towers. How we speak to family members and what we say to them is critical. Our behavior matters and can either unite or tear apart.

The 3 life lessons I’ve learned and freely apply now with my family and others are:

1. BE YOU and have values by which you stand. Others will respect you when they realize that you lead with a message of self-belief, self-empowerment and self-identity. Be the primary voice in your head!

2. Self-preservation must occur before you can help someone else. SAVE YOURSELF FIRST by detoxifying your mind and heart and remove people who lack substance from your life. When you remove people from your life it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is something wrong with them or that something is wrong with you. It simply means that your chemistry is non-complimentary with theirs and it doesn’t gel. AND THAT’S OK!

3. PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AT ALL COSTS! Family is your greatest asset! The love you share, the energy you provide and the support you give to one another is priceless!

   
   

Turning 60 was and still is a blessing! As my husband and I embark on an additional professional partnership designed to assist others in need, I will embrace and value the 3 life lessons. There are more, including taking time to rest, but I will etch the first 3 as the cornerstone of operations. It’s time to KNOW – GROW AND GLOW!

MARIO'S MESSAGE