Goddesses, Every One

Happy Birthday to me!

I turned 56 years old today. I've heard that 60 is the new 50, so I'm not sweating my age today. I'm happy I woke up. That's a huge blessing right there. It's a rainy, muggy day, but I'm happy, grateful and content to be alive on this amazing planet of ours.

Women in their 50's, 60's and on up look great these days, don't they? We're eating better, we're more active, still outliving men (I think), and older women are just plain damn sexy. Just look at Helen Mirren, Suzanne Somers, Meryl Street, Julianne Moore, and Diane Sawyer, sexy and smart. How about Catherine Denueve, Jaqueline Bisset, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dame Judy Dench and Susan Sarandon? There are probably face lifts in that group, Botox injections and personal trainers, but who are we to judge? I'm not saying "no" to anything just yet, but I'm afraid of surgery, so I doubt a face lift is in my future. Botox? Maybe as a Christmas gift to myself one day!

I don't love turning 56, but I am healthy, happy and sane, all good things. My kids might beg to differ about the sane part, however. I'm sure I drive them bonkers and I believe that's my new role. I'm more outspoken now than when I was younger and I have a lot to say--much to their chagrin, believe me. So, my children adore that I write a blog and write poetry and historical fiction novels. I'm busy and out of their hair.

Joking aside, I'm blessed and I know it. I'm at peace with where I am in my life and I have a loving family and great friends around me. I love what I do and I'm fortunate to do what I love. What's not to love about all that?

When I turn 60, I'll smile that I'm not yet 70 years old and when I turn 70, I'll keep thanking God for that day and pray for more years with my family. Hell, I'm asking for a few more decades! It's all about gratitude, perspective and abundance, isn't it? There's plenty to go around.

Living a healthy life, being positive-minded and productive, and staying young-at-heart are key to a fruitful life and it's wonderful to have friends of all ages. Which I do. Early this morning, beautiful birthday wishes started rolling in on Facebook, followed by emails and texts from friends and family. I am blessed and very fortunate to have such amazing people in my life, some I've never met. They are my blogging buddies who I count as dear friends.

My friend's ages range from 21 to 78 and I love them all. My oldest friend looks like she's in her 60's. She runs her own real estate business and puts me to shame most days with all her running around and high energy level. We can be as different as night and day in many ways, but we share the same outlook on life--LIVE IT AND STOP COMPLAINING. She is one of my many role models.

Now, my friends and I do have our bitch sessions, don't get me wrong. We are great sounding boards for each other when discussing our kids, grandkids, and husbands if we have one. Boyfriends are always a great source of humor, heart and hugs, if we have one. It ain't over til it's over, I say!

All women are goddesses in my eyes, no matter what the age.Younger women would highly benefit from befriending an older woman--a mentor, a confidant and a cheerleader. I had my goddess mentors when I was growing up and again, in my 40's and now. Women who have taught me about patience, grace, forgiveness and life. For that, I thank my grandmother, aunts and my mother. I respect Marianne Williamson, Sonia Choquette, Cheryl Richardson, Louise Hayes, and yes, Oprah. I love Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Mother Theresa, Maya Angelou, SARK, and Saints Bernadette and Theresa, The Little Flower. I've learned from all these women and the list is much longer, believe me.

During the last couple of years, younger women have told me that they watch my comings and goings, my travels and my adventures. At first, I was surprised. I wasn't old or wise enough to be an older goddess! But now, I get it. Two of my favorite sayings are, "Be the change you wish to see", by Ghandi and "Lead and teach by example."

Take that chance, the risk, seize that opportunity, and always keep growing. Take your vitamin D, too.

Peace and love to you.
Ellie