Sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved. The real milestones are less prepossessing. They come to the door of memory unannounced, stray dogs that amble in, sniff around a bit and simply never leave. Our lives are measured by these.”
― Susan B. Anthony
People tell me that my 65th birthday (yesterday) was a milestone. Historically speaking, it represented “retirement”. For many, this is still a milestone. But for me, there has not been, in decades, a separation between work and life. Life is something I wouldn’t leave. Work, in the old-fashioned sense, is something I try not to do!
I started to think what a milestone really represents. By definition is a stone placed as a mile marker. Since we don’t do that anymore, that I’m aware of, the metaphor has taken hold as the meaning: “A significant event or stage in the life, progress, development, or the like of a person, nation, etc.” We so naturally think in metaphors! It is one of our many gifts as humans for which I am grateful.
Milestone markers like the one in this picture are called “cairns”. Read more on Tuesdays with Laurie in her post “Rock On”
In terms of my own personal milestones, I measure my progress by the depth of my love. When I’m open and honest and true, I feel like I’m on the right road. When I’m angry, resentful or irritable, I know it’s time to take a closer look at what’s going on inside of me, and/or in my life. My only goal in life is to be more fully present in love in any situation I find myself. As for the world and what represents “milestones” to it, we run into a problem.
The problem is this. There are no rituals or traditions in place to celebrate the important passages in our culture — those that honor the progress and stages of a woman’s life., for instance. Crossing into the world of the empty nester was a milestone in my life. Menopause was a milestone. Recovering from trauma was a milestone. These things I would have enjoyed celebrating. But turning 65? Not very important in the overall scheme of things for me.
[tweetthis]Will you join the challenge? A gratitude a day for 365 days – If I can do it, so can you! [/tweetthis]
However, I have decided to challenge myself this year to post a gratitude every day for 365 days. That would be an accomplishment! That would be an effort that might bring about a change in my life worth creating. I could always use a little more positive thinking! Ask my husband!
WILL YOU JOIN ME?
If you would like to join me, I will be endeavoring to achieve this milestone on my personal website, DorothySander.com. I explain the reason why I’m doing it there instead of here.
Dorothy — Happy birthday to YOU!
Tomorrow over on Tuesdays With Laurie you’ll see why I particularly like the photograph you used in this post.
Thanks, Laurie.
Happy birthday, Dorothy! 365 days of gratitude sounds like a perfect gift to the world!
Thanks, Candace!