Camel Ride on Cable Beach
Are you like me and put good things away to be used only on special occasions, or not bought that designer brand handbag because you thought it was too extravagant, or even worse, put off a fantastic holiday to somewhere exotic because you were too busy?
Well I am here to tell you that by the time you reach your late fifties or the milestone age of sixty, there are things that we just bloody-well deserve! Most of us have spent our lives working trying to pay off our mortgages, scrimping and saving and sacrificing ourselves for our children so now it’s our time to shine.
That’s right – it is our time! So here are the 8 things you should experience by the time you reach 60.
2. Sampled every delicacy that you can imagine such as gourmet cheeses, sour dough breads, lobster, truffles, caviar or eye fillet steak. We no longer need to budget our meals to feed the family so treat yourself to the delights of the huge array of delectable food that is on offer at our local delicatessens, fine food markets and farmers market stalls.
3. Unleashed all of your fine bone china crockery, silverware and crystal glassware and started using it on a regular basis. There is no need to stash it away for special occasions! We deserve to eat and drink from the finest crockery and glassware that we own. We have earned it! And anyhow when we pass away our children will more than likely give it away to the nearest Op Shop!
4. Splashed out on a designer outfit, pair of good quality high heels, designer handbag or piece of gold jewellery.Why should we have to buy our clothing in Target or K Mart when our daughters are shopping at upmarket boutiques? It is our time to splurge and buy that outrageously expensive item of clothing or accessory because we desire it rather than we need it.
5. Learnt to enjoy solitude. It’s time for us to be unafraid to go to a movie alone or sit and have a nice cup of coffee, walk on the beach or even go on a trip all by ourselves. Come on – no-one will bite you! We are grown ups and let’s face it we will more than likely outlive our partners and our children have left home and in some cases live interstate or overseas.
6. Enjoyed a cultural experience. Get out and about and explore art galleries, museums, concerts, exhibitions, movies, live theatre and festivals. There are literally hundreds of cultural experiences to be devoured in every city. Check newspapers or the internet for what’s on in your city and hop on a train or a bus and get out there and take it all in. You will not only be educated but it will enlighten you.
7. Travelled to at least ten different destinations. Whether it be in your own country or to an overseas destination you should at least have explored ten different places. The world is your oyster so get out there and explore it! There are so many different ways that you can do this. Choose from bus tours, train trips, hiking holidays, cruises, cycling holidays, camperhomes, caravans, house swapping, house sitting, camping or road trips. There is something for every person and every budget so make travel a priority. You won’t regret it!
8. Let go of the past and moved on with your life. Whether it was a bad relationship, bereavement, traumatic event, an illness, financial crisis or a rotten job. You need to take the time to heal, forgive and forget and then let it go. There is no sense in holding onto old grievances and grudges or thinking ‘what if’? The past is past so start living in the now!
Now we are all nodding our heads in agreement (I hope!) I want to see photos of you drinking a glass of wine in that Waterford crystal wine glass and I want to see photos of you at a concert or at the theatre. No excuses! It’s your time to shine!!
For more inspirational posts see Stepping Out Of Our Comfort Zones and 25 Inspirational Quotes For The Over 50’s.
Comments are closed.
Johanna
January 20, 2015I so agree Kathy. Sometimes we need to come to terms with the things we can’t change or predict for the future and just get on with living and enjoy life. Accepting the now and not waiting for tomorrow is so important. Loved this post. It made me stop and think about my life right now.
Kathy
January 20, 2015I think a lot of us are guilty of living in the past and putting things off until we can either afford them or have time to do them. But I truly believe that now is the time for us to start enjoying the rewards of our hard work!
jannosw
January 20, 2015I’m 68 and getting there
Kathy
January 20, 2015That’s fantastic! It is your time to shine!! :)
travellingbag
January 20, 2015Thanks Kathy – so relevant to our lives right now. I think we do learn, as we get older, that tomorrow may never happen and that we need to live life to the full right now. And that includes crystal glasses and designer outfits :-)
Kathy
January 20, 2015Ha ha yes indeed! We all should be spoiling ourselves because we aren’t getting any younger and like you say tomorrow may never happen. Thank you for commenting. :)
Rachel
January 20, 2015Hey Kathy, Great advise. I used to do that with my good clothes. Wait for that speical time and it just defies logic. My best stuff I should be wearing all the time because Iike it the most, but instead I wore it the least and it made me feel the best. So while I am still retraining my brain about this, I do get to wear my best tops more often, my best undies because I am not only saving them for a special occasion because now I know I am the speical occasion and I should feel good as much as possible. Thanks for the great write up.
Kathy
January 20, 2015I think we all put ‘special’ things away only to wear or use on specific occasions. I say wear them now and wear them proudly!! Thank you for dropping by my blog. :)
Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
January 20, 2015Oh yes I was nodding my head in agreement Kathy! This is an awesome post! You’ve inspired me. You are so spot on. Why aren’t we using our best china for heaven’s sake? xx
Kathy
January 20, 2015I ask myself that question frequently when I get the good china out every Christmas time. I am now breaking with tradition and I’m putting on my finest clothing, shoes and jewellery just to go out shopping and to dinner with the girls, because I bloody-well can!
Life Images by Jill
January 21, 2015I agree! and I haven’t much time to get some of this done before 60 so I had better hurry up. I am planning a few changes this year, so your list is definitely a yes from me.
Have a great week and thanks for stopping by my blog. Yes we have some great cafes for lunching in Bunbury.
Kathy
January 21, 2015We need to remind ourselves sometimes that ‘life is for living’ and to get our there and experience it. I hope your life changes work out for you. :)
rednomadoz
January 23, 2015Happily for me, I’ve already embraced your philosophy – so by the time I turn 60, I will have consolidated it completely!! It’s funny though – I have less trouble with eating indulgent food then I have with buying an expensive pair of shoes. I wonder why that is??!!
Kathy
January 23, 2015Ha ha, I know what you mean. I have this real problem with buying shoes because I have found them extremely uncomfortable as I’ve got older. But there really is nothing better that great food!
Gabes
January 26, 2015Thanks Kathy – this is a great reminder that the time for enjoying our life and reaching for our dreams is RIGHT NOW, because who knows what’s around the corner, and we only get one chance! I’m making a start this year, starting with quitting my job and going after the things I’ve been putting off for ‘one day’.
I also have problems buying shoes, sooo hard to get comfortable ones that look good too!
Kathy
January 26, 2015Right on Gabrielle! We need more people with your attitude. I quit my job this time last year and made a heap of changes during 2014 and I have never looked back. Good luck with your life changes! :)
budgettraveltalk
January 29, 2015Great Post Kathy. We all need to think and take stock of our lives and move forward. I’ve ticked off quite a few things on your list. Now where are those truffles?
Kathy
January 30, 2015To be be quite honest I’ve never tasted a truffle so I will have to put that on my list. Life is for living and I certainly want to live mine as best as I can!