V.M. Roberts's Blog, page 3
January 25, 2023
Turning 60 Years-Old: What’s the Big Deal?
In December 2022, I turned 60. It’s a big deal to me and maybe others fortunate enough to see their 60th birthday. If you’re not close to the point of reaching that age, I guess you’re saying to yourself, what is the big deal?
I’ve had a chance to reflect on my health, finances, family, social life, and beliefs. In today’s current environment, many did not live to see age 60. I’m thankful and grateful.
I don’t take things for granted. I’ve made some shortsighted mistakes in my life. Over the years, I have realized those mistakes were lessons for me. I didn’t know it back then, but they have helped shape the person I’ve become.
I’m proud of my accomplishments (two master’s degrees, over 20 published books, putting my son through college with no assistance from student loans, etc.). If I had told my 20 or 30-year-old self that I would have accomplished as much as I have in the past ten years, I wouldn’t believe it. It’s incredible what we can envision and that actual vision coming to light.
The problem with making life plans, you tend to forget the people you know and don’t know who can interrupt those plans. Challenges along the way when living life can discourage a person. I’ve encountered more challenges in my life than I care to mention. It’s tough when you start with zero confidence and poor self-esteem, and life working against you because of your background and status in society.
I worked pretty hard over the years to gain the things I have. My home is decent. I can pay my bills on time, feed my family, and enjoy a nice vacation once a year. Twenty years ago, I was robbing Peter to pay Paul. Having children and struggling daily to make ends meet is a horrible way to live. You want to keep the faith and stay hopeful that better days are coming.
At 60, I can now sit back and appreciate the work I put in to making life better for my family and me. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not done. I’m not close to retirement age yet. I must continue to work to maintain my home and family. I’m grateful for my provisions and the ability to go to work each day. You will never accomplish anything with idle hands.
Poor health was my worse enemy in my journey to work toward a better life. Sarcoidosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease have stopped me many days from being productive. There were times when I wanted to give up. Finding motivation is difficult when your body doesn’t want to behave. Nonetheless, with guidance and good health management, I continue to persevere.
Turning 60 is a mighty big deal. I have traveled the road of disappointment, despair, defeat, and discouragement for so long that I forgot to enjoy life and all it has to offer. Something happened along the way. I learned to hold my head up, find inspiration, and work twice as hard. At one point, I worked three jobs simultaneously for a year. I was determined to pull myself up out of the pits.
Unfortunately, meager funds put a damper on the ability to enjoy life. Going to a movie, having cable, or purchasing a dish to take to a family cookout can be costly. I was forced to consider how the money could be better spent before and after the fact.
Along the way, others have helped my family and me in my time of need. I was often embarrassed because I felt ashamed and inadequate. I’m now in a position to help others. One of the best feelings in the world is giving back. I love where I am in life now. I’ve found myself helping others without the blink of an eye.
My outlook on life is simple, enjoy it. And, enjoy aging. It’s the most precious gift you’ll ever receive. Help others. Show kindness always.
I am humbled.
What will you see when you look back over your life?
Edited by: Michael A. Robinson Jr
I’ve had a chance to reflect on my health, finances, family, social life, and beliefs. In today’s current environment, many did not live to see age 60. I’m thankful and grateful.
I don’t take things for granted. I’ve made some shortsighted mistakes in my life. Over the years, I have realized those mistakes were lessons for me. I didn’t know it back then, but they have helped shape the person I’ve become.
I’m proud of my accomplishments (two master’s degrees, over 20 published books, putting my son through college with no assistance from student loans, etc.). If I had told my 20 or 30-year-old self that I would have accomplished as much as I have in the past ten years, I wouldn’t believe it. It’s incredible what we can envision and that actual vision coming to light.
The problem with making life plans, you tend to forget the people you know and don’t know who can interrupt those plans. Challenges along the way when living life can discourage a person. I’ve encountered more challenges in my life than I care to mention. It’s tough when you start with zero confidence and poor self-esteem, and life working against you because of your background and status in society.
I worked pretty hard over the years to gain the things I have. My home is decent. I can pay my bills on time, feed my family, and enjoy a nice vacation once a year. Twenty years ago, I was robbing Peter to pay Paul. Having children and struggling daily to make ends meet is a horrible way to live. You want to keep the faith and stay hopeful that better days are coming.
At 60, I can now sit back and appreciate the work I put in to making life better for my family and me. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not done. I’m not close to retirement age yet. I must continue to work to maintain my home and family. I’m grateful for my provisions and the ability to go to work each day. You will never accomplish anything with idle hands.
Poor health was my worse enemy in my journey to work toward a better life. Sarcoidosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease have stopped me many days from being productive. There were times when I wanted to give up. Finding motivation is difficult when your body doesn’t want to behave. Nonetheless, with guidance and good health management, I continue to persevere.
Turning 60 is a mighty big deal. I have traveled the road of disappointment, despair, defeat, and discouragement for so long that I forgot to enjoy life and all it has to offer. Something happened along the way. I learned to hold my head up, find inspiration, and work twice as hard. At one point, I worked three jobs simultaneously for a year. I was determined to pull myself up out of the pits.
Unfortunately, meager funds put a damper on the ability to enjoy life. Going to a movie, having cable, or purchasing a dish to take to a family cookout can be costly. I was forced to consider how the money could be better spent before and after the fact.
Along the way, others have helped my family and me in my time of need. I was often embarrassed because I felt ashamed and inadequate. I’m now in a position to help others. One of the best feelings in the world is giving back. I love where I am in life now. I’ve found myself helping others without the blink of an eye.
My outlook on life is simple, enjoy it. And, enjoy aging. It’s the most precious gift you’ll ever receive. Help others. Show kindness always.
I am humbled.
What will you see when you look back over your life?
Edited by: Michael A. Robinson Jr
