On the Road to 60

The hardest part for any journey is getting started. Why start something new, when you’re comfortable in how things are currently? Prime example, me and my new blog “On the Road to 60: The Journeys We Take.” You may recall that ten years ago I started my “50 Weeks to 50” blog (see 50 Weeks to 50 Table of Contents page), where every week I did and wrote about trying something new for 50 weeks before I turned 50. I created for myself some wonderful memories, and some sad ones too. But it got me out of my comfort zone and an inspiring way to celebrate turning 50.

Ten years later, as I turned 59 on October 29, 2023, I knew and wanted to begin a new blog series, as I began my path to 60. But, as you can tell, I’ve been dragging my feet to get started. I’ve got these deadlines, I’ve got to plan for these events, I’ve got these books to read…blah, blah, blah.

Then it dawned on me – we all pursue new journeys in our lives all the time, but for any new road we take, the first step is the hardest to take. And it’s okay to maybe hold off on something, because you want to make sure the time is right for you to take that step. Maybe you want to go in a different direction, or not take the step at all. It’s okay. You always have to do what’s right for you, at the right time and setting. Me…I needed things to slow down a bit to plan out the road map. Planning your road trip is important too. Sure it’s okay to be spontaneous, but you need a destination in mind. 

Today, I’m finally taking this first step in accepting that yes indeed, in a year from now I’ll be in my 60s. I have seen some happy days in my 50s, not so happy as well. Everyone has ups and downs (no matter what their Instagram posts look like), and all those days add up to who you are today, and will become in the future. Open your arms to all experiences. They make you whole.

Now that I’ve begun this road trip to 60, do I know what each blog post will be? No. But I do know that the journey will take many forms – basic road trips, many walks, journeys by boats, trains, and planes, some alone and some with others, day and night, happy ones, and emotional ones, maybe even reflections on past journeys, or some I never took. Who knows? That’s the fun of it all. And you know what? Yes, it’s kind of a cliche, but true – it’s the journey that counts. For all of us, whatever journey you want to take, acknowledge that taking the first step is the hardest. Because whether your own road trip ends at your desired destination, or whether you end up making a U-turn, you tried and that’s what matters. Never regret the journey you didn’t take.

Step one on the Road to 60 – complete!