Since I am starting over at sixty, I get a do-over…a second chance, late in the game, at life. I don’t take that for granted.  It wasn’t the way I thought my life would go, but here I am.  So, I am taking control of what I want my life to look like, how I want my days and weeks and months to look for the next 30 years (or more), I hope.

Where to Start: Know Your Step One

In planning what my life will look like I am picking a starting point and working out from there.  For me, the starting point is my kids.  Not one of them lives in our hometown any longer.  Maybe one day,  but for now, they are spread out across the country.  So, it is critical that I be able to travel to visit them or travel with them often.  That is a must, that is my tent pole.  So, whatever I am doing, I want to be able to pick up and go.  I want to be mobile.  A couple of things might make it a little tough, like this guy, my dog Red, but he is my bestie so we are in it together

Be Patient and Work Your Plan

I am not complaining about my age…I love where I am and who I am.  But, I do know that time isn’t infinite (something that wasn’t on my radar when I was young).  In the past, I have had a tendency to jump in head first.  Now, I don’t want to waste any time, so I am more pensive about where I am going and what I am doing.

My children aren’t all settled yet.  So I am using this time to get ready for the next phase of life.  I am not sure what it is, but I feel a real peace knowing that it will present itself to me at the right time.  It sounds kind of out-there, I know, but I really do feel it.  I am moving in the right direction.

Visualize What Success Will Look Like

When I use the word success, I don’t mean it in monetary terms.  It doesn’t have to be a big house or a lot of money.  I mean, what will a day in my life look like if I get what I want?  When I got married, I had a vision of what life would look like. When I had children I had an idea of what my life would look like.  This is no different.  What will success be if I get what I want?  As a mom.  As a grandma (someday).  As a partner (maybe).  As a volunteer in the community.  As a friend.

I get a smile on my face when I think about it, so I must be on the right path.

Take Action

Now, work your way there. If you want to learn something new, learn it.  If you want to look different, work on it.  If you want more money, work toward it.

Honestly, I don’t know if any of my plans will unfold, but it’s in the process that I find happiness.