That’s 8-0. Eighty. 80.
It hasn’t quite sunk in. But in the middle of December, I turned 80. It happened and there was no amount of denial that could stop it. As it turned out, it was a lovely birthday and I was honored and celebrated by those I love the most.
So between that event, a lovely Christmas, and a quiet New Year’s eve, I have become introspective today. And instead of any never-kept new year’s resolutions, I’ve decided to give this year a theme. Or themes, if you will. Here they are:
Look ahead. And by this I mean stop looking behind. I tend to over-focus on the past. Past mistakes and regrettable blunders. Past events, people, places and times that will never come again. Thing’s I’ve missed and things I miss today.
So my theme for 2026 involves being present, grateful for my many blessings and focusing on what’s right in front of me, right now. Eighty years have passed but God willing, more years are ahead. I will strive to make the most of them.
Finish what I’ve started. I have so many projects half begun, half finished. Now is the time to work towards completing them. Or at least to focus on moving them along. Or even making a decision to abandon them if I’m really not all that interested or motivated to keep them. I’m thinking of the photo project, started and then stopped. The numerous cross stitch samplers started, then put aside. The family genealogy project, paused when halfway through. The skeins of yarn intended to be knit. You get the idea.
When I was in Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls in my youth, one of their basic tenets taught to us was “stick-to-it-ivness.” We were encouraged to always finish what we started. I remember it well but it sure went by the wayside for me.
When you reach the age of 80, you realize both how time has slipped away and the limits of the time left to you. Thus, my two themes for this new year of 2026.
And for you, your loved ones, our nation and the world, those in need, those who are fearful, I wish you all a wonderful new year, full of good health, hope and promise.
Thank you for reading my musings.
