I clearly remember thinking “OMG! In 5 years I’ll be 20!!!” Well, OMG! Today is my birthday and I’m 60!!!!! I can hardly believe it. It seems like such a big milestone. Many times I still feel like I did when I was 19.
Thankfully, in the years that have passed since I was 15 I’ve learned a few things and I wouldn’t go back to those early years if I could. So today I reflect on what I’ve learned and at the end of this post I have a Birthday Gift for YOU.
Four Things I’ve Learned In The Last 60 Years
The first thing I’ve learned is that when I follow my intuition, my inner voice, it leads me in the right direction.
Sometimes that direction is scary as hell.
Like moving across the country to where I don’t know anyone as I did twice when I went to college and then grad school. But it gave me a chance to reinvent myself and leave behind those parts of my identity that no longer served me. It helped me break through some of my shyness too. Each time I grew immensely.
There was the time I decided to announce my resignation before I knew what I’d be doing next. I knew I was done with that job. It had taken me as far as it could. I stepped out on faith and took a leap. Along the way I made decisions that brought me closer to the position that opened up for me just before my resignation date.
Of course there was moving to the other side of the world as we did in coming to Tanzania almost a year ago. I’ve talked about that in other posts. It was challenging for sure but in my heart and soul I knew it was what we needed to do.
I’ve learned that getting older doesn’t have to mean getting sicker.
That wasn’t always the case. Before Nana Kwaku opened my eyes to the power of the plant-based lifestyle I was scared. I was getting fatter every year. I figured it was just a matter of time before I found out what my chronic disease was going to be. That was 10 years ago. Now I’m healthier, thinner and feeling much better.
Along the way many other things changes as a result. Like my circle of friends and the work I do. Once again I grew and continue to grow as I continue to learn. Now when I see others my age who are really feeling that age due to illness, I am thankful that I not only learned the truth but that I took the step towards applying what I learned in my everyday life.
I realized that making mistakes is okay
In fact making mistakes is a good thing as long as you LEARN from them. It means you are trying. It’s how you discover the right path. Like how getting lost when you’re trying to find someplace helps you discover new parts of your city. Or slipping up and eating that cheese helps you realize what you need to watch out for in the future. Mistakes are not a sign of failure. They are a sign of progress.
If you are someone who values learning and growing like I do you are bound to make mistakes.
Lastly I’ve learned that there is beauty and wonder all around me if I choose to pay attention.
In fact I’ve learned that my attitude has a great impact on my experience. I can focus on the negative and what I don’t want. Or I can focus on what I do want. I can keep my focus on creating the life I want to live or I can focus on watching out for what I want to avoid.
Yes, we need to be aware. Yes, we need to be prepared. But I know I am happier and do a better job of building a life I love when my attention is on what I want that life to be like.
So that’s what Ive learned over these last 60 years.
It all boils down really to taking steps everyday to be the best I can be. I like where it’s taken me. I look forward to where else it will lead me.
One thing it has led me to do is to pour my heart and soul into helping people like you walk your own path to awesomeness. To health, happiness and the life you’re striving to create for yourself.
In that spirit, today on MY birthday, here is my Birthday Present to YOU!
1. I’ve totally redesigned this site to make it easier to navigate and find what you need. Please have a look around and let me know what you think. There are still a few things to clean up but it’s mostly done.
2. In appreciation of your being part of the Opare Institute family I have these special discounts for you between now and Monday July 10, 2017.
Get 15% off our ebooks. Use the coupon code hb60 before Monday. Click here to shop our book store.
$10 off all our online courses:
Healthy Gourmet Mexican Themed Raw Meal video training – Regularly $27, now $17! Click to get started.
The Optimum Fast Juice Fasting Course – Regularly $57, NOW just $47! Click here to get started.
Monthly membership in our Pamoja! Group Coaching and training program. Regularly $37 a month, you’ll get in at just $27 a month. That’s $10 off each month for as long as you remain a member. Click here to find out more.
Discounted one-on-one coaching. Save $100 on a three month coaching program. Click here to schedule a free strategy session to find out more.
Don’t wait! These special prices will be gone in no time. Help me celebrate my birthday by claiming your special discounts and take the next step in creating your magnificent life!
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- What 8 Years In Tanzania Has Taught Me - 07/29/2024
I am so glad I read your message. I will reach 60 years on july 17, and I so agree with and appreciate you sharing, your thoughts and words. May you continue to experience the joy of growth for eternity .
Abibifahodie , Kwaku N. Nlongo
Happy Birthday to you too Kwaku 🙂
Happy Birthday, Ama!
P.S.
I did a 30-day fast and now I’m fully raw. This is my 3rd month! Do you have any suggestions on how to stay raw?
Thank you Wanda and congratulations! My suggestion is to go back to the resources you already have at your disposal and really focus on understanding what drives your choices. You are a Pamoja! member. All our best stuff is right in there. Start at the beginning again and take the time to go through each lesson. Join our group coaching calls. For even more help my 90 Day private coaching program provides support, accountability, and guidance so you can reach your goal of sustaining your raw food lifestyle. You can do it!
Blessings! Happy Birthday <3
I am turning 60, too!
I , who got carded on my 40th birthday, open my mouth and wonder–HOW DID THAT HAPPEN, 60? 60!
and then –thank God it is happening. There is serendipity work here–how coincidental is it that two people from the same hometown have responded.
If the hometown was Chicago or Brooklyn–not such a coincidence but from two people from EAST PALO ALTO,CALIF! It speaks to the intuitive part of your post. Although I now live in Woodstock,NY–I was raised in EPA, and go back and forth. Thanks for being a beautiful example of what I have to look forward to
And being 60 –does not mean being sick or agedness
Happy Birthday to you too Kathy! 🙂 I must say though, while it is Nana Kwaku who lived in San Francisco and Oakland, we are both from Chicago. But it’s still good to connect. OH! I see it’s Nobantu who is from East Palo Alto!
Ama I forgot we are both Cancers! Happy Birthday! I enjoyed reading what you’ve learned. I can ditto just about all of what you stated. I am still learning life’s lessons.
My daughters are planning a big party for me tomorrow in East Palo Alto, CA. My 70th birthday is on the 9th. I am here enjoying my children and grands.
Happy happy Nobantu! Sure wish we were able to help you celebrate. I hope your party was/is wonderful.
Drawn to this read after Mama Yaa Baruti shared it on her social media. I feel connected with you through your beautiful story of your continuous journey of growth, you are a true inspiration to me, and you remimded me to stay focused on what is true to me, and to do what I feel without letting my fear keep me stagnant and hesitant. Thank you for sharing yourself Malkia! Love, light, and continuous prosperity!
Greetings Abena, I’m glad my story resinates with you. Indeed! Step forward in spite of the fear. Blessing to you my sister.
Good words of recognizing growth and becoming harmonious with the ever constant changes life gives us. Enjoy this day.
Thank you Msemaji. It has been a wonderful birthday week so far. Thanks for being a part of it! 🙂
PEACE, LOVE & BLESSINGS!
Asante sana Mama Yaa! Sending blessings back to you too.
Happy Healthy Wholesome Birthday Queen and friend Ama
Thank you Doris. Much love to you from us both.
OMG,
My husband turned 50 today
He must be a special person. 🙂 Happy birthday to him!
Laura, 60 is the new 40. (smile) Glad you’re doing well. Judith sends her regards.
Thank you George! Greetings and blessings to you both and all of the family.
Happy Birthday to you! 60 looks fabulous on you. May God continue to bless you and the work that you do.
Thanks Sandra!
Happy Earth Day. We celebrate Y-O-U
60? You’re still young.
Happy birthday! Here’s to many more.
I feel young Jo. Thanks!