At first, we count life in months and movements: “He’s six months old” and “She just rolled over.” As toddlers, we proudly declare our ages in years, months and achievements, announcing we’re “two and a half” and we can “go to the potty by ourselves.” Crossing into our teens, our right to party rules along with angst and confusion thanks to hormones and  teenage-ness. By 18, age triggers twinges of anxiety as we contemplate adulthood responsibilities. We’re counting opportunities as we wonder how we’ll handle growing up and venturing out on our own. Work or college years are marked by various tests of independence. In our 20s, we’re working and beginning to understand the challenges our parents had, as we struggle to take full responsibility for our choices, lifestyle and financial situations. Twenties to 30s and beyond, we’re considering partners, filled with mating hopes. These years may or may not introduce parenting into the mix, and a whole new reality of life with the endless challenges and responsibilities that accompany raising another and coping with daily living. 

Life continues to roll on if we’re lucky. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health. Work, friends, family, homes, locations: all changing. Never predictable. Filled with static, high fidelity, noise and distortion and wrinkles. Nothing digital about it. We can’t plug, play and do a quick edit. Our lives get recorded like an old vinyl record for posterity. By our 50s, we’re realizing the truth in adages like: “If we knew how long we’d live, we’d have taken better care of ourselves.” But we also start to realize that our hopes are still possible because we did not “die before we got old.” 

If we’re alive, we’re not dead. We can still change, live and love: Leaving our marks on the world and in the hearts of others. Life’s not over until it’s over. Age is a beautiful thing. Each birthday is a gift.

Today I’m celebrating because I’m officially 61 years young! And PS: If you thought I already was 61, you’re right! I’ve been mentally preparing for a year! 🙂

I’m @DianGriesel aka a perception analyst & strategist; creative attitude disrupter & adjuster; author of The Silver Disobedience Playbook & TurboCharged: The Silver Disobedience Edition; and the blogger & model known as @SilverDisobedience  More info on my websites (search my name) and at Wilhelmina Models. Silver Disobedience® is a Registered Trademark.