I woke with one cat curled around my left shoulder and the other pressed against the crook of my right leg. I felt the warmth of their bodies and the gentle pulsing of their breathing, and felt so grateful that I could simply lie there and take in the joy without needing to rush anywhere.

This got me thinking about what I love most about my wisdom years. I say “my” because I recognize that the wisdom years look different for everyone. Some of us live a hybrid life that allows us to work and play at our discretion. Others have full-time jobs and therefore use their nights and weekends to do the things they enjoy. And some are retired, with much more time to do as they please, when they please.

This morning, as I snuggled inside my cat sandwich, I also thought about what I’m doing when I’m not working and decided to share some of it with you. First, I’m intentionally keeping my calendar free a few days a week so I can learn how to live more spontaneously. It takes practice to sit without plans, to tune into what the body and soul want. When I do, I find myself spontaneously playing the piano, creating a bouquet of flowers from the garden, writing notes about a new book, or going for a walk when my body feels the urge to move. This practice is a delicious indulgence after having a career that required me to be booked a year in advance.

The second is feeding my curious mind. I continue to study the piano and I’m so glad I stuck with it. I’m having a blast sending loved ones audio texts of me playing Happy Birthday or being able to play the chords of a favorite song by ear – something I never in a million years thought I’d be able to do.

I’m also listening to Barbra Streisand’s inspiring and rich autobiography on Audible. Honestly, it’s one of the best audiobooks I’ve ever listened to. My Name is Barbra is a 48-hour journey, so, yes, it takes time (I listen whenever I’m driving or cooking), but it’s a masterclass on the creative life, songwriting, filmmaking, and how she was challenged to grow and evolve over time. It’s a real treat.

Finally, I’ve also been intrigued by a book I’m reading called “The One Hour Miracle” by Dr Andrew Hahn and Joan Beckett. It’s a fascinating look at groundbreaking technology created by two experts who lead their clients (as well as the reader) through a five-step protocol that removes the internal concrete blocks that cause physical pain, procrastination, fear, and anxiety, or other obstacles that prevent clients from living life to the fullest.

I learned about this book from a good friend who overcame her inability to paint in one 45-minute session, working with a therapist trained in this technology. Her results were quite remarkable, so I wanted to know more. Since reading the book (which I highly recommend), I’ve been in touch with the author, have done a session myself, and am considering a Zoom gathering to share their Life-Centered Therapy approach with you. Stay tuned, I’ll tell you more soon.

The wisdom years are not a finish line but a widening path. With every step, there’s room to become more of who we are—less rushed, more curious, more alive. My hope is that by sharing my discoveries with you, you start to notice your own. Then, together, we get to show the world that aging might just be the best thing that’s happened to us yet!

Love,

Cheryl