I woke up on a Sunday morning in late December feeling absolutely terrible. The flu had taken hold, my body was exhausted, and all I wanted to do was stay under the covers. And then it hit me-I was officially 60 years old.

Not exactly the milestone moment I had imagined.

But even in that physically worn-down state, my mind was wide awake. And before the day slipped away, I grabbed a notebook and began jotting down what the past decade had given me. What I realized, even while sick, was this: the last ten years were full—rich in ways I never could have fully imagined when I turned 50.

What the Last Decade Gave Me

This decade brought big changes, quiet blessings, and meaningful moments I will carry forever.

• Moving to Colorado to be near family.
  One of the best decisions we’ve ever made—choosing proximity, connection, and time together.
• Celebrating 25 years of marriage.
  A milestone built on love, patience, laughter, and choosing each other again and again.
• Watching my children move from their 20s into their 30s.
  Seeing them grow into who they are becoming has been one of life’s greatest joys.
• Spending more time with my parents.
  Time that I don’t take for granted, time that matters deeply.
• Welcoming two new granddaughters.
  Seeing the youngest two almost every week and watching my oldest granddaughter change so much over these ten years has filled my heart in ways words barely touch.
• Traveling more.
  Collecting memories instead of things.
• Meeting new friends.
  Proof that meaningful connections don’t stop at any age. I have met a wonderful group of women in Colorado.
• Retiring from public education in Texas after 37 years.
  A career that shaped who I am, filled with purpose, people, and lessons I’ll always treasure.
• Finding the best part-time job.
  Work that fits this season of life just right.

Looking at this list, I realized something important: this decade wasn’t about slowing down—it was about shifting. Choosing differently than in previous decades. Valuing time, people, and experiences in deeper ways than I had in my 40s.

What I Want for the Next Decade

Turning 60 doesn’t feel like an ending. It feels like a wide-open invitation.

In the next ten years, I want to be intentional about what I say yes to and what I protect.

• Family time and making memories.
  Ordinary days, special celebrations, and everything in between.
• Traveling more—especially bucket-list adventures.
  Visiting all 50 states, traveling to the United Kingdom, and taking a European river cruise.
• Building and nurturing friendships.
  Showing up, staying connected, and creating space for community.
• Remodeling our kitchen.
  This is a practical goal, but much needed. Our kitchen is the place where so much family time takes place.
• Balancing activity with calm.
  Full schedules versus slow mornings. They both have the ability to bring joy.
• Having time to truly connect with people.
  Deeper conversations, shared stories, and laughter.

Stepping Into 60

Turning 60 didn’t arrive with fanfare. It arrived with tissues and sleep, but it also arrived with clarity.

This next season isn’t about doing more for the sake of doing more. It’s about doing what matters—loving deeply, living fully, and choosing connection over a packed schedule.

If the last decade taught me anything, it’s that life doesn’t get smaller with age—it gets richer, when you let it.

Here’s to the next ten years. I’m ready.