Surprisingly – most especially to me – I have lived into my early nineties. Not only has it been a surprise, but a blessing. At this point I am fortunate to enjoy reasonably stable health and a clear mind (with a few Sr. Moments thrown in along the way) … and … I am grateful.

For me, the best part of living long has been the opportunity to enjoy the milestones of family life — births, graduations, weddings, anniversaries and all the celebrations of a close-knit family and community of friends. And … the icing on the cake is that I am also able and privileged to continue practicing one of my professions, freelance writing and editing.

Since my college days I have freelanced and been published in numerous newspapers and magazines across the country. I have written guest columns, op-ed pieces, profiles, travel, human interest, book reviews, and done editing, mentoring and teaching.

My mother was my first and toughest Editor. At the age of 10 when I decided to write a Neighborhood Newspaper (Aptly named The Neighborhood News). She taught me to take constructive criticism, and to receive it graciously, accept and learn from it. I feel I have become a better writer and editor because of it.

For the last 50 years I have been fortunate to live and work in the beautiful beach town of San Clemente, CA. During 30 of those years, I have contributed articles to the town’s popular magazine, the San Clemente Journal, whose mission is “Celebrating Life in San Clemente.” And for 28 of those 30 years I have been employed as the magazine’s Editor.

It has been my privilege during those many years to encounter and work with some of the most talented and inspiring writers in the business.

In looking back over those years, I have been thinking about how I was encouraged to face whatever time I had on this earth to live the best life possible no matter the circumstances. Having been raised by a very wise mother who quoted an adage or bible verse for every behavior in my life, I have come to realize she was teaching me some very valuable lessons to carry with me on life’s journey.

Some of the old adages like, “Never give up,” “It’s never too late,” and “You can do whatever you set your mind to,” ring in my ears today and when they do, I smile and bow to this wise advice.

One of the great things about being an elder is the treasure of time. Time to ponder and appreciate. As I do so during this incredible gift of long life bestowed upon me, I too plan to follow the mission of the magazine dear to my heart, “Celebrating Life.” For the time I have left I plan to enjoy and celebrate what’s left of this gift of Living Long I’ve been given.

Why not? There’s still a world full of possibilities out there just waiting to be enjoyed. Won’t you join me?

http://www.sanclementejournal.com.

American writer Anne Lamott has said, “almost anything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes.”

After working for almost 25 years at a job I absolutely loved among people who have become my family, I have reluctantly decided to unplug for a while.

For a, first-born, type A personality like me, that is an extremely difficult thing to do. But unlike Webster who defines retirement as withdrawal … withdrawal into privacy and seclusion … that is the last thing I plan to do with whatever time I have left on this earth.

My personal definition of retirement is freedom … freedom from responsibilities. Frankly, I never thought I would live so long, and knowing that I have been gifted with good physical and mental health in my elder years, I plan to take advantage of that freedom and to … “make hay while the sun shines,” … as my dear mother would say.

The question that always seems to be asked when someone retires is, “what’s next?” For now, I plan to just unplug for a while, and to take the advice of scripture to, “be still, and to speak less and listen much.”

Where I go from here, only God knows and I await whatever comes with baited breath.