In a little more than a month, I’ll have one of those “landmark” birthdays. Don’t misinterpret: I’m not full of anxiety or fear or regret. I’m just a bit more conscious of it than I would have been ten or even five years ago. And a bit more reflective about what these decades, piling up as they have, have taught me. This is what I came up with, in no particular order. No preachiness or arrogance intended, of course.
Have faith. Even a little bit helps.
Love and treasure your family and friends.
Pay attention to the sunrise. Other than the birth of a healthy baby, it’s the best visual representation of hope that I know.
Be honest, first to yourself, then to everybody else.
Don’t believe everything you hear, read, or (the worst) see on a screen. There are always two sides, and sometimes there are ten.
Do nice things for other people. Graciously allow them to do nice things for you.
Look for the laugh, even when you hit nasty wall . If there’s a chance in hell that you can find something to laugh about, go for it.
Don’t be afraid to be that one deep fuchsia rose in a sea of pale pink.
“Always look for the helpers.” This isn’t mine, of course. It’s Fred Rogers’ advice on dealing with the biggest, saddest tragedies. It’s brilliant. (And he should be a saint.)
Listen more than you talk.
Read, travel, dance, and sing. Especially sing. Take a cue from Grandma Gina, who sings when she cooks. Americans don’t sing enough.
Remember that it really isn’t always about you. You’ll get your turn when you need it.
Recognize that you have made, and will continue to make, many mistakes. Learn from them and forgive yourself accordingly.
Finally, “Don’t get above your raisin’,” a caution from the US South that Earl Scruggs wrote a song about and Ken Burns immortalized in his brilliant Country Music series. Humility, like Paris, is always a good thing.
Hashtag Retired 
Deb
Happy early birthday wishes. Continue to live your life with Joy. Each day when you find something that brings you joy or you share joy, your heart grows.
May your heart be BIG. 🎂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Angela
Thank you, Deb. I know for a fact that you are a very joyful person!
LikeLike
Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen
I have a marker birthday coming up as well, on March 1. When’s your birthday?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Angela
March 4!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen
Well, hello my fellow Pisces. I’ll be 70 and proud of it!
LikeLike
Angela
I’m just a few years older. But happy to share my sign with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen
What I love most about my birthday is that once we get there, we are in the month that spring happens, in reality or at least just the calendar!
LikeLike
Joy Reagle Snyder
I love reading your posts. This list is one I will remember over and over. Thank you for putting it into words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Angela
Joy, thank you so much. That means a great deal. I love seeing your work!
LikeLike
Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread
Happy Birthday early, and thank you for such a good list of things to always remember. As we get older, those rising numbers could sure put a damper on the day, but as long as the body and mind keep moving we should push the number aside and enjoy everything that sunrise has to bring. Fred Rogers and others like Charles Schultz and A. A. Milne brought us very good but simple lessons about life that we could all learn from. Happy Sunday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Angela
Oh, yes! Peanuts and Milne are full of beautiful life lessons. Thank you for reminding me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Preston
Blessings. Thank you for the gentle reminders. I struggle with ” Graciously allow them to do nice things for you.” I greatly appreciate you love and insight in your post. Have a great day.
Preston
LikeLiked by 1 person
Angela
Thank you, Preston. I’ve struggled with that, too, but I’m learning!
LikeLike
Ron
Angela, you write so beautifully. All reflections are sound advice. Just think if we were born with such wisdom how the world might be. Thanks for sharing…
LikeLike
Angela
Thank you, Ron. Yes, wouldn’t it be grand? On the other hand, it’s the follies (woefully) and (hopefully) fun if youth that (hopefully) give us such perspective. Wishing you and your wife a wonderful year!
LikeLike
Nancy
Happy early Birthday! What a special post for all of us to read. As we get older we need to remember what you have listed.
Thank you!
LikeLike