Birthday reflections across the decades as I turn 64 today. Marking the fourth year of my sixth decade, the Beatles classic echoes. A life review a la Jane Fonda reveals the answer: I need me.
I'm so happy for you. I divorced in 2011, and never looked back. It was so incredibly freeing. I also quit alcohol four years ago at age 57 and it's given me so much clarity. I love the way you wrote this piece. Well done!
Thanks, Ilona, I see that we have many intersections on our journey and I appreciate that you took the time to read and comment. Means a lot to me. Now I need to hop over to your Substack.
And I forgot to add another significant commonality: my mother had dementia for seven years and I was her caregiver after my father died. Thanks for subscribing to my newsletter, Amy!
Terrific! Seeing our lives in stages, whether by decades or life transitions like births, marriages (and divorces), deaths, jobs and work, that mark our passage from one state to another helps us prepare to navigate the future. Funnily enough, I wrote a small book called "Seven Decades: A Learning Memoir" and that was in 2013, now more than another decade ago. We tend to try and measure our lives by meaningful events as well as when and why they happened. For a great read on the topic, have a look at Florida Scott-Maxwell's book:
Thanks for this interesting comment, Gary. I can see you appreciate the opportunity for reflection as well, and I will be definitely look into the book recommendation. My life review is an ongoing process.
It was Socrates who said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates, in his trial defending himself is suggesting that an unexamined human life is deprived of the meaning and purpose of existence. Why do so many seem to go through their days and years without reviewing or assessing their choices? Maybe a case of apathy?
Happy 64th, you beautiful human being! I so enjoyed reading your retrospective, introspection. What a journey. I hope you also can see all the magic in your journey too, co-created by You and the many friendships, family you so wonderfully love and who love you too.
May you truly know how loved you are, how brave you are, how beautiful you are and may 64 being another year of discovery, adventure and deeper understanding of the wonder than is Amy Brown! Hugs and love from my heart to yours,
Happy 64th birthday, my Soul Bestie! What a beautiful time-capsule tribute to your life! From Big Sister to Budding Writer, to Loving Mother, Loyal Friend, and now Devoted Daughter and a freed bird who has just begun to explore the world outside the confines of all the roles you have played, you are an amazing, talented and passionate woman with an incredibly resilient spirit. Don't you ever forget that, Amy! Love you so very much!
Loved reading about your 4’s!
I'm so happy for you. I divorced in 2011, and never looked back. It was so incredibly freeing. I also quit alcohol four years ago at age 57 and it's given me so much clarity. I love the way you wrote this piece. Well done!
Thanks, Ilona, I see that we have many intersections on our journey and I appreciate that you took the time to read and comment. Means a lot to me. Now I need to hop over to your Substack.
And I forgot to add another significant commonality: my mother had dementia for seven years and I was her caregiver after my father died. Thanks for subscribing to my newsletter, Amy!
Wonderful life journey so eloquently described by pinpointing certain years and highlighting the changes that happened in between. Lovely to read
Thank you for coming along the journey with me and for your kind words. I appreciate you as a reader--and a dear friend of many years.
Terrific! Seeing our lives in stages, whether by decades or life transitions like births, marriages (and divorces), deaths, jobs and work, that mark our passage from one state to another helps us prepare to navigate the future. Funnily enough, I wrote a small book called "Seven Decades: A Learning Memoir" and that was in 2013, now more than another decade ago. We tend to try and measure our lives by meaningful events as well as when and why they happened. For a great read on the topic, have a look at Florida Scott-Maxwell's book:
https://www.amazon.com/Measure-My-Days-Enduring-Celebration/dp/0140051643
Thanks for this interesting comment, Gary. I can see you appreciate the opportunity for reflection as well, and I will be definitely look into the book recommendation. My life review is an ongoing process.
It was Socrates who said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates, in his trial defending himself is suggesting that an unexamined human life is deprived of the meaning and purpose of existence. Why do so many seem to go through their days and years without reviewing or assessing their choices? Maybe a case of apathy?
LOVE the photos and learning more about your journey! Thank you Amy, and Happy Birthday!!
Glad you enjoyed it, and thank you, Victoria!
Oh, I love the journey of you that you take us on here. Happy 64th birthday, Amy! May today bring you (ALL of you) joy, love and wonder. xoxoxo
I am so glad you came along with me on the journey, Allison. And thank you for kind wishes for my birthday.
Happy 64th, you beautiful human being! I so enjoyed reading your retrospective, introspection. What a journey. I hope you also can see all the magic in your journey too, co-created by You and the many friendships, family you so wonderfully love and who love you too.
May you truly know how loved you are, how brave you are, how beautiful you are and may 64 being another year of discovery, adventure and deeper understanding of the wonder than is Amy Brown! Hugs and love from my heart to yours,
Kristin
What a wonderful and generous and loving comment, I am so appreciative, thank you for being such a good friend and for always cheering me on.
Always🩷
Happy 64th birthday, my Soul Bestie! What a beautiful time-capsule tribute to your life! From Big Sister to Budding Writer, to Loving Mother, Loyal Friend, and now Devoted Daughter and a freed bird who has just begun to explore the world outside the confines of all the roles you have played, you are an amazing, talented and passionate woman with an incredibly resilient spirit. Don't you ever forget that, Amy! Love you so very much!
Ah, I love your mini summary of the decades and roles I chronicle here, a freed bird indeed! Thank you for these kind and generous words, Soul Bestie!
Beautiful, Amy. Wishing a magical and magically alive and awake birthday to ALL of you and all your past versions. Still here, comprising a whole. ❤️
Thank you so much Dana. That is what we all wish for, isn't, still here, all of our parts, in wholeness.