What I Love About My Age

At 62, I love the freedom to be uniquely and unapologetically me. I do not want to do what everyone else is doing, nor do I want to look like everyone else. My children are grown and out of the house, and while I was proud to fulfill my role as a mother, that chapter came with its challenges. In my home, I set the rules, and resistance to those rules brought friction—but I held firm. Now, as I care for my father, I’ve discovered that even in caregiving, I have options and balance. Being a caregiver is not for the weak or the selfish, and it’s a role I approach with strength and grace.

This stage of life allows me to discover myself in peace, and I absolutely love the person I’ve become. I am someone with strong morals, values, and integrity. I treat people well, yet I’m not afraid to set boundaries. Protecting my peace is non-negotiable. I’ve learned to trust my intuition and assess people and situations with clarity and discernment. I am proud of who I am today. I’ve gained common sense, knowledge, intelligence, and the resources to pursue what matters to me. I have no regrets—I did what I had to do as a mother. And now, I’m full of confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. I feel alive.

I’ve also chosen to remain single since my divorce in 2017. I tried dating twice, but the experiences were far too draining. I have no time for men who lack direction, expect me to rescue them from themselves, or think I should become their caregiver when they’re fully able-bodied. I’m not here to fix anyone, and I refuse to carry unnecessary burdens. This “dry county” season of my life started out as a default, but it has since become a spiritual decision—a time for me to grow, heal, and thrive on my own terms.

Life has also presented challenges I never expected. My mother is gone, as are two of my siblings. I don’t have a relationship with the two who remain. I didn’t imagine this part of life would unfold this way—by now, I thought everything would be honky-dory. But even in this reality, I’ve found peace and strength.

I notice the changes in my body—the fine lines, the gray strands of hair, the loss of skin elasticity, and that stubborn bulge in the middle that gets harder to fight with each passing day. But overall, I’m good. These changes are just reminders of the journey I’ve been on, and they do not diminish how I feel about myself or the vibrant life I’m living.

I just want to be around good people—exciting people who are doing things, having fun, and laughing every day. I’ve been serious and super responsible my entire life, but that chapter is over. From here on out, I will only be responsible when absolutely necessary. Life is too short to carry the weight of constant responsibility.

If I don’t do something, it’s on me—and that’s empowering. I don’t blame others for where I am in life, and I take full credit for my achievements. I am healthy, active, and thriving. I travel the world solo, run my own business, and continue to grow. Last year, I earned my MBA, and now I’m pursuing a Master’s in Accounting. I surround myself with younger, vibrant individuals who are still full of life and energy. While many in my age group seem ready to settle, I’m just getting started. The only aches and pains I experience are when I skip my workouts—so I make sure to stay active.

I’ve embraced doing things on my own because I refuse to let others’ lack of interest hold me back. My adventures are mine, and I love them. There’s no room in my life for “Gloomy Gus” or “Debbie Downer.” I wait for no one—the people who want to experience life are already there.

And as for haters? I find them amusing. Out of all the things they could focus on, they choose to pay attention to me—how special!

I feel incredible. I’m not wasting time because I know how much of it I’ve already spent on unworthy people and pursuits. Now, I use discernment and have no tolerance for foolishness. I let things be—and the reward has been permanent peace and happiness.

I’m making the rest of my days the best of my days.

Best regards,

Dez