Age has a way of creeping up on you that takes you by surprise. Not creeping up on you like a stealthy snake in the grass. But more like an old friend waiting for you at a corner you cross daily, surprising you with a smile, a hug, and plans to meet for coffee. Age is not something you can get ready for. It’s not something you plan for. It’s not really something you look forward to. Just, all of a sudden, it is here. And though many dread getting older, I’ve found that life gets better. Not that difficulties become less, but that I can handle those difficulties with more grace. Is this wisdom or maturity? I don’t know. But I do know my contentment is greater, as well as my appreciation and thankfulness for each day. And life seems to be more meaningful, more precious, and more holy.
I love this quote I just recently ran across.
”I think midlife is when the universe gently places her hands upon your shoulders, pulls you close, and whispers in your ear:
I’m not screwing around. It’s time. All of this pretending and performing – these coping mechanisms that you’ve developed to protect yourself from feeling inadequate and getting hurt – has to go.
Your armor is preventing you from growing into your gifts. I understand that you needed these protections when you were small. I understand that you believed your armor could help you secure all of the things you needed to feel worthy of love and belonging, but you’re still searching and you’re more lost than ever.
Time is growing short. There are unexplored adventures ahead of you. You can’t live the rest of your life worried about what other people think. You were born worthy of love and belonging. Courage and daring are coursing through you. You were made to live and love with your whole heart. It’s time to show up and be seen.”
–Brené Brown
This quote speaks straight to my heart, because living to please others is something I have wrestled with for, well, fifty years, I suppose.
And so, here are 50 resolutions I want to aim for in this second half of life:
1-I will not ask “how are you” without being genuinely interested in the answer.
2-I will not say “I’m fine” without meaning it.
3-I will look at each person and see their value, not their deficit.
4-If I see someone being knocked down, I will help them to stand back up.
5-If someone needs a cup of water, I will give it.
6-I will put some change in the outstretched cup.
7-I will send a note of encouragement every day.
8-I will not turn my back to anyone.
9-I will make more of an effort to speak to my neighbors.
10-I will make each interaction count.
11-I will speak up for the outsider, and find ways to join them.
12-I won’t hold onto things too tightly.
13-I will declutter my house, keeping only what is essential and meaningful.
14-I will value each circle I belong to, but always be facing out, welcoming others in.
15-I will be brave enough to love the person I don’t understand.
16-I will be quiet when I feel the need to defend myself.
17-I will attempt to be okay with being misunderstood.
18-When others hurt me, I will pray for them, and find strength to love them back.
19-I will analyze the crowd before just going along with them.
20-I will say “no” without feeling guilty.
21-I will stop trying to make others like me.
22-I will stop trying to make others be like me.
23-When I look in the mirror, I will remember I am made in the image of God.
24-I will use an abundance of moisturizer.
25-I will do some form of exercise daily.
26-I will be more flexible, “going with the flow.”
27-I will spend at least 10 minutes each day in complete quietness and stillness.
28-I will stop trying to do it all on my own, and let God do the work.
29-When I hear God’s small voice, I will aspire to listen and obey.
30-I will find something to be thankful for every day.
31-I will go outside more.
32-I will take more time to explore and learn about this world.
33-I will remember that I am part of the whole world, not just my small part of it.
34-I will get up for sunrises.
35-I will sit and delight in sunsets.
36-I will still go hiking.
37-I will still swim in the ocean.
38-I will still jump in the leaves.
39-I will still build snowmen.
40-I will not be afraid to go on adventures.
41-I will spend more time enjoying and appreciating music.
42-I will make music with others as often as I can.
43-I will remember that life is short.
44-I will remind myself each day that God has a purpose for my life.
45-I will cherish my family.
46-I will celebrate life events.
47-I will slow down and enjoy holidays and vacations.
48-I will say “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” with less hesitation.
49-I will say “I love you” as frequently as I can without wearing it out.
50-I will fully embrace life.
John 10:10 (AMP) “I came that they (you) may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full, till it overflows.”
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