Thursday, June 28, 2007

Upon turning "Sexy Sixty"....

I have noticed how I deal with things a bit differently. Granted, I have only been "sexy sixty" for a couple of weeks now but some things have happened recently and, instead of my usual knee jerk reaction, I've just shrugged and metaphorically hit "delete".

It seems the bullsh-t detector, while still in high gear, does not generate the same need to get answers, explain myself, justify my actions or make nice any more. I've always been a people pleaser and I hate for people to be unhappy with me. But lately, it hasn't been that way. Either my priorities have shifted or (which is more likely) I am choosier about what I expend my energies upon.

A recent instance comes to mind. My adult children received a missive (for lack of a better word) from their father. I asked to see a copy. It went on and on and on along the theme of I'm a good father/you are bad children. His view of history is at such a variance with the life the kids and I lived during and after the divorce as to leave me wondering where he was during this. I know we all view the past (and the present for that matter) in a manner that best supports our self image so I wasn't terribly surprised by his version. I knew him well.

The pre Sixty me would have fired off a response to him which, of course, would have generated WWIII. No one says the things he did about the kids, says Mama Bear! I did rebutt the missive but sent it only to the kids. They are good kids and didn't deserve the guilt he was assigning them. That is the post Sixty me.

The post-Sixty me has also been reacting differently to things which go on around me. I find I like life in the slow lane far better than that in the fast. I've let go of some aspirations. I'll never be a big name in the sb industry. I am, however, a damn good teacher and not a half bad designer. I love teaching others so that is what I shall continue to do as long as I can. This is a cut throat industry which is a shame because women should support other women so we all find a measure of success. Instead, the general rule seems to be do whatever it takes, walk on whomever you need to to get ahead. I elect not to play on that team, thank you!

While my friends have always been important to me, they become more precious to me every day. These women are strong, funny, courageous and more over, loyal to a fault if that is possible. They are my supporters, my role models and my faith in womankind. I am truly blessed...you all know who you are.

and to those who claim to be my friend and talk the talk but don't walk the walk, the post Sixty me says,

DELETE

(back to our usual scheduled programming tomorrow...I promise!)

10 comments:

Cheryl said...

I want to be you when I get to 60. Hell, when I get to 50! You are the best.

madelineas said...

Jules I just feel the need to give you a big hug. I will be there shortly but have already started to feel the same way...

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}

Can't wait till YOU are back..

eljay716 said...

Amen!

:Jayne said...

Yep! I learn so much about life from you! I wanna be like you only without the wine, I'll keep my tequila thank you! LOL!
I just hate to see what I will be like when I am 60 as I'm not even 50 and already think like you are now. I have deleted many times!

:J

JulesinParadise said...

thank you my friends..

Michele L from Tampa said...

Smooches Smooches Smooches!

Ruth.E said...

You made sixty enticing! I wouldn't mind the slow lane where I dont fly off the handle.

As for the smoochie girls, I would have been one until I saw the size of your lips! LOL. You are so fun.
Ruth

Nicole said...

WTG Jules! You are a true inspiration

JulesinParadise said...

I haven't reached total serenity yet after all; a minor glitch threw me back a bit the evening of the morning I wrote this. Onward and upward as they say, whoever "they" are.

.when I make mistakes they are huge ones...lol. I am trying to let less affect me. Unfortunately, when it affects my friends, I still tend to react...working on that too!

Unknown said...

Jules, reacting to events means you are ALIVE. How you react is what makes a difference. I love the delete key and have used it a lot. I hope you have a great day!