Tag Archives boundaries

Finding Joy and Peace in My 60s: A Journey Worth Every Step

Hello lovely people, here I am in my mid 60s, and guess what? I’m genuinely, unabashedly happy.

Yes, it took a while to get here—decades, in fact.

I’ve navigated an emotionally damaging childhood, toxic relationships, work stress that could power a small country, and a couple of serious health scares. But now, I’ve reached a place of peace and joy that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

A Rocky Road to Happiness

Let’s rewind a bit. Picture me as a kid—wide-eyed, full of dreams, and completely unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster that was my childhood.

It wasn’t exactly the stuff of Norman Rockwell paintings. But hey, I survived, and more importantly, I learned a lot about resilience and the power of humor.

After all, if you can laugh in the face of adversity, you’ve already won half the battle.

Fast forward to my adult years, which were a mixed bag of triumphs and tribulations. I had my share of toxic relationships. You know the type—the ones that make you feel like you’re starring in a never-ending soap opera.

And let’s not forget the work stress. Oh, the work stress! It was like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. But through it all, there was a constant source of light and joy: my beautiful, kind-hearted daughter.

The Light of My Life

My daughter is the embodiment of everything good in the world. She’s been my rock, my confidante, and my biggest cheerleader. Even during the darkest times, she was there, shining brightly and reminding me of what really matters.

Her kindness, compassion, and boundless love have been the anchor that kept me grounded. Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without her.

The Path to Peace and Joy

Now, in my 60s, I’ve finally cracked the code to happiness. Spoiler alert: it involves good boundaries, positive people, and living life on my own terms.

I’ve become a master at setting boundaries—no more energy vampires or drama llamas for me. I surround myself with kind, positive people who lift me up and bring out the best in me.

It’s like curating a personal museum of joy and laughter, and the exhibits are all my wonderful friends and loved ones.

Living life on my own terms means embracing what brings me joy, whether it’s spending time with my daughter, indulging in my hobbies, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a good book.

It means saying no to things that don’t serve me and yes to the things that do. And let me tell you, it’s incredibly liberating.

The Silver Lining of Aging

They say with age comes wisdom, and I have to agree. In my 60s, I’ve learned to appreciate the little things, to find joy in everyday moments, and to cherish the relationships that truly matter.

I’ve also learned that it’s okay to prioritize myself and my wellbeing. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

And let’s not forget the humour. Oh, the humour! There’s something wonderfully freeing about being able to laugh at life’s absurdities.

Whether it’s the inevitable “senior moments” or the quirks of getting older, laughter has become my secret weapon. It’s like a warm hug for the soul, and I embrace it wholeheartedly.

A Life Well Lived

So here I am, in my 60s, happier than I’ve ever been. It’s been a long, winding road to get here, but every step has been worth it. I’ve learned to keep good boundaries, surround myself with positivity, and live life on my own terms.

And through it all, my daughter remains the light and joy of my life, a constant reminder of love and kindness.

To anyone out there still navigating their own rocky road, take heart. Happiness is within reach, no matter how long it takes to find it.

Keep laughing, keep loving, and most importantly, keep living life on your own terms. You’ve got this!

imagecredit:shweni

Share this article

Navigating Life’s Drama: A Strategic Guide to Avoiding Unwanted Episodes

At some point in our lives, there inevitably exist individuals with a penchant for orchestrating melodrama.

Today I am exploring how we can seek to provide a nuanced exploration of tactics one may employ when confronted with those who seem determined to cast us in the leading role of a real-life soap opera.

With a touch of dark comedy and a dash of strategic finesse, we embark on a journey to master the art of evasion and maintain a drama-free existence.

Trust me! I speak from experience!! There are people who will try to control the narrative about you, but it’s easy enough to step back, laugh at their manoeuvres and re-write the script!

I have dealt with exes who have tried to control me and failing that tried to control the narrative about me, but as my dear departed father always said: “No-one can control you, my dear – you are and always will be your own woman!”

Chapter 1: Discerning the Dramatists (aka dealing with idiots!)

The initial step in safeguarding oneself from undue dramatization involves a careful identification of the instigators.

These are the individuals who possess an uncanny ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary and thrive on interpersonal conflict.

By recognizing these dramatists, one gains a crucial advantage in circumventing their efforts to draw others into their scripted narratives.

Chapter 2: Cultivating a Subtle Presence

To dissuade drama enthusiasts from fixating on one’s narrative, it is prudent to adopt an understated and unassuming presence.

Opt for a discreet demeanour that defies the spotlight. In the realm of drama, subtlety can be a formidable shield.

Trust me! I am a chameleon!

Chapter 3: The Art of the Controlled Detour

When confronted with an imminent dramatization, mastering the art of the controlled detour becomes imperative.

Swiftly redirect conversations, subtly change topics, and gracefully navigate away from potential conflict zones.

This skilful navigation can serve as an effective deterrent, preventing the dramatists from gaining a foothold in one’s personal narrative.

Chapter 4: Utilizing Discretionary Measures

For moments when subtlety proves insufficient, adopting discretionary measures becomes paramount.

Develop the ability to gracefully disengage from potentially volatile situations, preserving one’s emotional well-being while avoiding the pitfalls of unwarranted drama.

Choose battles wisely and know when to withdraw from the stage of conflict.

Chapter 5: Setting Boundaries (yes, this one is in bold as our boundaries are critically important in evading drama-fuelled idividuals!) Narcissists, drama queens/kings and manipulative gas-lighters ALWAYS try to blur your boundaries! Do not let them!! 

Establishing clear boundaries serves as a fundamental strategy for avoiding undue drama. Communicate assertively and express personal limits, dissuading dramatists from overstepping into one’s private sphere.

Consistency in upholding these boundaries is key to maintaining a drama-free equilibrium.

Chapter 6: In conclusion, navigating the complex terrain of interpersonal dynamics, the ability to deftly sidestep the allure of drama is an invaluable skill.

By discerning dramatists, cultivating a subtle presence, mastering the art of controlled detours, implementing discretionary measures, and establishing firm boundaries, one can effectively shield oneself from the orchestrators of interpersonal theatrics.

May this strategic guide empower you to curate a life free from the scripted narratives of others and foster a more harmonious existence.

imagecredit:karmareturns

 

Share this article