I’m turning 60 near the end of this year and as feels appropriate, my desires are shifting. Changing. Ripening.
I admit to some trepidation writing to you about aging as the subject is still somewhat taboo in our culture.
I had a famous friend say to me recently when I wished her happy birthday, “Don’t tell anybody how old I am.”
I had two reactions to what she said: I get it and ouch, that’s sad but again, I totally understand.
I don’t want to hide my age.
And I don’t want to age gracefully. That sounds boring to me, like when my dad told me to “be a lady.”
I don’t want my age to define me with its tightening of fear and attachment to comfort but I also don’t want to pretend to be someone I no longer am.
Richard Rohr put good words to what I’m experiencing:
“Ripening, at its best, is a slow, patient learning, and sometimes even a happy letting go—a seeming emptying out to create readiness for a new kind of fullness—which we are never sure about. If we do not allow our own ripening, an ever-increasing resistance and denial sets in, an ever-increasing protection around an over-defended self. At our very best, we learn how to hope as we ripen…
Ripening: that’s what I’m up to.
Want to get your bother on starting now?
Read the first chapter from Jen’s new book for a jolt of fresh perspective and possibility, and a radical reframe on what to do when you are feeling lost, blah, unmotivated, or burned out, in any area of your life or for any reason — even success!
I’m not one of those creepy people who make it hard to unsubscribe or email you again nine years after you’ve unsubscribed. Giving me your email is like a coffee date, not a marriage proposal.
I’m also intrigued by how different I feel about ambition and goals.
After my memoir died on the vine and before I wrote Why Bother?, the feeling I had about writing another book was desperation — who was I if I didn’t write another book!
Now the feeling I have about writing another book is open-hearted curiosity completely unattached to shoulds or my identity. I might, I might not. I’m open.
(If you want help writing your non-fiction book, however, I’m all ears and very excited to help. I’m booking clients for January 2022.)
I’ll write more from the edge of 60 so stay tuned.
How do you feel about aging? Hit reply and tell me.
GOOD STUFF I’VE BEEN WRITING, READING, OR OTHERWISE ENGAGED WITH:
I love fantasy and this is one of the best books I’ve read in years, I think you will like it even if you don’t read fantasy. (Note: I use amazon links for your information, buy your books locally!)
I bought this dress and got 6 compliments the first time I wore it. Sustainably made.
This music helps me concentrate.
How many words should I write a day? New article by me 💪
Did you know I have a bundle of audio pep talks and help starting a project for writers?
Are you on the advance list for Taos and my new programs Start Your Book, Find your Hook and Finish Your Book, Find Your Reader? Seats will go fast.