60plus and loving life

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Connecting with someone special…
Relationships

Connecting with someone special…

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For a long time, I believed in the fairy tale—the one where the hero rides in on a white horse to rescue me from whatever woes life threw my way. But life taught me a valuable lesson: I didn’t need a hero. I saved myself long ago. I realized that I am complete on my own; I don’t need someone to complete me. I am whole, capable, and content with who I am.

However, there was something I did crave: a fellow weirdo to share adventures with. Someone who would dance with me in the living room at midnight, kiss me when I least expect it, and make me laugh until my sides hurt. I didn’t need rescuing; I just wanted a partner in crime, a co-conspirator in the grand escapade of life.

And then, as if by a stroke of cosmic luck, I met that person. They were just as quirky as I am, and from the very first moment, we got each other. There was no need for explanations or justifications; we fit together in a way that was both effortless and exhilarating.

I am eternally grateful for this connection. In a world that often feels overwhelming and chaotic, having someone who understands and accepts your weirdness is a gift beyond measure. We laugh, we dance, and we embark on countless adventures, each one more thrilling than the last.

What more could I possibly need? In finding each other, we’ve created our own fairy tale—not one of rescue and heroics, but of mutual weirdness, joy, and endless possibilities. And in this story, we are both the heroes, standing strong together, ready for whatever comes next

imagecredit:brookehampton

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The Covenant that ties…
Relationships

The Covenant that ties…

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What is family? Who do you count as family? Is it just blood ties or do you have friends that you consider family?

This time of year we are close to Christmas and in the US it is Thanksgiving time. Both occasions are all about family, times of love & happiness, but can also be fraught with conflict and discord.

My daughter is my family and we love each other dearly. I also have family on the other side of the country. Family for me includes close friends. One friend hosts an “orphans” Christmas breakfast at the beach each year (we live in Australia, so Christmas is peak summertime for us!).

Having been married twice, I also have extended family. My first husband’s sister is someone I will always consider family, even though our connection is no longer via the marriage bond, she is someone I hold dear. My second husband and I are still friends (years after we divorced) and always will be and I remained close with his mother until she passed.

A previous partner, however, had a very tumultuous and toxic family. Always feuding with each other. Always threatening each other and sending abusive messages to each other. They thought that was normal. I was both appalled and aghast when shown the vitriol that was sent back and forth. It was ugly!

Vicious name calling and I mean vicious, no foul language was off limits! Abuse & threats were sent back & forth in equal measure. I had never in all my life witnessed such toxic behaviour, ever!! And I hope I never do again. Even reading such sickening messages was emotionally damaging and they were not aimed at me.

No-one in my life, family or friends, have ever spoken to me or me to them in the horrid and abusive way of this mob. It was insane! They have behaved like this for many, many years and amongst themselves they have normalized this abusive and damaging behavior. None of them cared about the damage they inflicted on each other, it was harrowing to witness. My then partner was regularly brought to tears of grief and despair – then he would fire back equally vile messages in retaliation! It was nuts!

Those people made it very clear that I was NOT family, regardless of my being in a relationship with one of theirs for some time. Praise be for that I say! Never would I wish to be known as belonging to such toxic people. They were all big on “blood is thicker than water” – clearly an excuse for toxic and damaging behaviour towards each other. The kicker is that they (and many other people) have got that expression totally wrong. They think it means ties of blood/kin are stronger than ties of “water” or non-kin.

However, the actual expression is “The blood of the Covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” As in bonds that you’ve made by choice are more important than the people that you are bound to by the water of the womb. Here’s a link that explains the original Covenant quote.

I hope however you celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas that you are surrounded by loving, kind and genuine folk who care for you as you care for them, whether they are ties of the womb or Covenant of blood. 💕

imagecredit:Margienance

 

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The Love That Inspires: My Daughter and the Blessings of Life!
Relationships

The Love That Inspires: My Daughter and the Blessings of Life!

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Life is a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of love, and I’ve been blessed with more love and support than I could have ever imagined.

Today, I want to share with you the heartwarming story of how my daughter encouraged me to start this blog, the joy of having her in my life and the loving bond we share.

A Daughter’s Encouragement

It all began with my daughter, my shining star, and my biggest cheerleader. Her unwavering belief in me and her encouragement to share my thoughts and experiences through a blog was the catalyst for this journey. She saw something in me that I hadn’t fully embraced—the passion for writing and the desire to connect with others through words.

Her pride in me was the motivation I needed to take the plunge. Every step I took, every word I wrote, was infused with the love and support she showered upon me. And the most beautiful part? She reads every single post, offering her feedback, her encouragement, and her love. I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful daughter.

A Bond Beyond Words

Our mother-daughter relationship is a treasure I hold close to my heart. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and celebrated each other’s victories and challenges. We’ve grown together, and through it all, our bond has only deepened.

My daughter’s achievements fill me with immense pride. She’s an extraordinary young woman, filled with ambition, kindness, and a heart that overflows with love. Watching her flourish into the incredible person she is today is a privilege I cherish daily.

Life’s Glorious Blessings

Reflecting on my journey, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I am fortunate beyond measure, surrounded by love from my remarkable daughter, my dear friends, my dance community, and a community of readers who have embraced my blog.

Life is indeed glorious. It’s about embracing the love that surrounds you, cherishing the moments that take your breath away, and finding joy in the simplest of things. It’s about having a daughter who is not only proud of her mother but is also a constant source of inspiration. It’s about discovering a love that fills your heart to the brim and knowing that you are cherished.

I am so very fortunate, so very loved, and my heart is full. Life’s blessings are a reminder that even in the midst of challenges, love has the power to transform our world into something truly beautiful.

image credit:AI

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Embracing Serendipity: Love, Friendship, and the Dance of Destiny
Relationships

Embracing Serendipity: Love, Friendship, and the Dance of Destiny

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Life is a dance of unpredictable twists and turns, often leading us to moments of joy and connection we never could have anticipated. From the serendipity of finding love when we least expect it to the value of steadfast friendships and the warmth of a caring community, the tapestry of our lives is woven with threads of destiny that ultimately guide us to where we belong. In this reflection, I share my journey of discovering the beauty of life through loving relationships, cherished friendships, and the vibrant world of dance.

Love Finds Its Way: A Tale of Unexpected Joy

They say that what’s meant to be will always find its way to you, and I couldn’t agree more. Love, that most elusive and enchanting of emotions, has a way of sneaking into our lives when we least expect it. It’s like stumbling upon a hidden treasure while wandering through life’s uncharted territories. The joy of a loving relationship is unparalleled – the way it blossoms and flourishes despite the odds, creating a bond that enriches our days and warms our hearts. The magic of finding the right person at the right time is a testament to the beauty of serendipity.

Dance: A Language of Connection and Friendship

As I traverse the path of life, I’ve been blessed to find companionship not only in romantic relationships but also in the form of loving friendships. These connections, forged through shared experiences and heartfelt conversations, have become the pillars of my existence. Among these, the dance community stands out as a testament to the power of common passions to bring souls together.

Within the embrace of the dance floor, I’ve discovered a world that transcends words – a realm where movement becomes a language, and connection is forged through rhythm and grace. The dance community has gifted me with not only the joy of self-expression but also the gift of lifelong friends who share in the thrill of each step and twirl. These friendships are a testament to the joy of finding kindred spirits in unexpected places.

Guided by Passionate Teachers and a Loving Community

In this dance of life, my journey has been enriched by the presence of incredible dance teachers who have guided me with their expertise, humour, and unwavering support. Their dedication to nurturing and uplifting the dance community goes beyond mere instruction; it’s a reflection of the profound impact a caring mentor can have on one’s journey. My dance teachers have not only taught me the art of movement but have also instilled values of camaraderie, discipline, and the importance of giving back to the community.

Blessed by Loving Kindness

Reflecting on the tapestry of my life, I am reminded of the countless moments of serendipity that have shaped my path. From chance encounters to profound connections, each experience has added a unique hue to the canvas of my existence. I am grateful for the friendships that have stood the test of time, and the dance community that continues to inspire and uplift me.

In a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable, I find solace in the knowledge that what’s meant to be will always find its way. Embracing this truth has allowed me to cherish the moments of good fortune, navigate the twists and turns with grace, and revel in the loving kindness that surrounds me. As I continue to dance through life, I am guided by the belief that destiny has a way of leading us to where we truly belong – wrapped in the arms of love, friendship, and the beauty of shared experiences.

 

main image credit:loveforbeachythings

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Healing, healthy, happy…
Relationships

Healing, healthy, happy…

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Hello, lovely readers!

After years of dealing with partners who were emotionally unavailable, controlling, or downright abusive, I now have incredibly strong boundaries and I will not accept less than respect – that goes both ways!

But let me be clear, healing from toxic relationships is not an easy process. It takes time, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront the pain and trauma that has been inflicted upon us.

For me, the healing process began by recognizing the patterns of behavior that were present in my previous relationships. I had to take a hard look at myself and acknowledge the ways in which I had contributed to these toxic dynamics, whether it was by enabling my partner’s abusive behavior or by suppressing my own needs and desires in order to keep the peace.

Once I had gained this awareness, I began to set healthy boundaries and prioritize my own well-being. This meant cutting ties with people who were toxic or who did not have my best interests at heart and learning to say “no” to situations that did not align with my values or needs.

It has been a difficult and painful journey, but one that was ultimately worth it.

So, if you’re currently healing from a toxic relationship, know that it is possible to move on and find love again. But it requires doing the hard work of self-reflection and prioritizing your own well-being. Trust yourself and your instincts, and don’t settle for anything less than a partner who treats you with love and respect. It’s never too late.

Until next time, keep loving life and moving forward towards the healthy and fulfilling relationships you deserve.

image credit: @espiritu iluminado

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Crossroads
health and fitness

Crossroads

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When you reach a crossroad in your life, what do you do to move forward and nurture yourself?

For me that is self-care, writing this blog, going to the gym, running outdoors and staying connected with family and friends. Oh and dancing, always dancing!

Taking the time to pause, reflect and think about the best way forward. Again, for me, that means eating well (aka healthily), re-committing to my exercise regimen and going out and having fun.

I am fortunate that I have good friends, I can draw them around me like a cloak of warmth and love.

My daughter is my best friend and closest ally. We have always had a close and loving relationship. We are each other’s cheer squad. We also understand each other’s low times.

My sister is always there, every single day. Even though she lives over 3,000km away. We message and chat every day. She checks in with me and I with her.

I value good health and fitness, they are my life and they allow me to live my life in the best way possible.

The thing that I do not value is toxic people, unfortunately they can enter one’s life when you let your guard down. Often in the guise of superficial charm. However, if you allow toxicity in, you will find in time that the cracks show and the poison seeps out, sometimes so slowly that you don’t realize that you have been covered in a miasma of unhealthy behaviours. You will catch glimpses, but you may rationalize them away, easier than admitting you have made a mistake.

It is often only when you step out of that connection that you can fully reflect upon all the damaging patterns that recurred like an endless groundhog day.

But when you do step away, pick up your strength and remember who you are. Firmly put one foot in front of the other and move in a healthier and happier direction. Forwards, always forwards. Don’t look back. There is nothing to see in the rear view mirror.

Life can be beautiful and it can be cruel. I choose to focus on the beautiful. Nature, friendship, family, my dog, love and kindness, respect and warmth. Trust me, it is there!

a little pic of Georgie-boy running in the park…

 

 

 

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