For The Good Husband and me, ’08 and ’09 were years of living large. We traveled and entertained to excess, ate rich and highly lauded food, drank exceptional wines, danced into the wee hours and on and on. We had the kind of fun our age-mates enjoyed nearly thirty years ago while we were busy having and raising babies.
He found this busy life exhilarating. I found it exhausting, and yearned for simplicity.
Now finally, he too, is weary. ( Thank God! I was ready to suggest separate houses and regular rendezvous so that I could get some rest.) Over the holidays we created a new plan based on the realization that we have and appreciate everything we need. We’ve adopted a “paring down” approach to 2010. I am thrilled!
Turning 50 (and the four months it took to understand what that meant for me) undoubtedly contributed to my values clarification. Another key factor: For the first time in a decade, all my children are healthy and well, and I am free from the onus of getting them to this juncture. I’ve reached an amazing place in my life and I relish it.
Now, calm, content and focused, I embrace this new decade with confidence, joy and a surer sense of self. I will write, garden and practice yoga more. I will covet, spend and want less. Most importantly, I will love.
In the midst of this past decade, a close friend on the threshold of death said, “You have loved me well.” No words impacted me more. So I rededicate my time better to correspond to my values, and hope all to whom I’m connected can utter the same when I pass that divide. In the spirit of this desire, beginning now and with myself, I will love. I will love well.
