Oh, it’s good to know that’s what you’re feeling. I’m glad.

I do have so much more I want to do… And I’m not sure I’m finding joy in these posts so much as peace–the peace that comes from pausing to spend a moment with, and put words to, each of my years, to acknowledge each one as something that happened and is now gone.

Your nurturing side was always very apparent to me when we were working together, and when we were in Ogunquit. Because of the way you talked about your children and your new grand baby (and well b/c of all the things you were doing for them) but also b/c you automatically think about the needs of those around you in a way that signals a nurturing person. Balance is always an issue for anyone so other-attuned. I’m glad you’re getting there. I’ve always called finding balance a life project, and so it is. I will now use you as my role model and give myself to 60 to manage it!

Re approaching 60, that’s how I felt about approaching 40 and now 50. It’s such a shock b/c I am that same gibbering, pink-nosed gerbil/curious, eager, strong-willed girl/quiet, over-thinking, book-gobbler I ALWAYS was. No smarter, really, no stronger, no more complete. Well, I am all of those things. But at any given moment, I feel exactly the same as I did before I learned one single important lesson, made one single important mistake. You probably know what I mean by that….

Also, I don’t know about you, but I hate feeling like I’m running out of time. I have so much more to do!!! That’s the joy of your posts, though, isn’t it? It reminds us to appreciate, savor, and find solid footing for the coming years of accomplishment….

I’ve never thought of myself as nurturing but jeez, I had four kids…

Wait a minute, “As you approach 60…”I’M not approaching 60. Approaching 60???

As far as the right balance, I think I’m finally getting close after too many years of way too much nurturing…

What a delightful ball of contradiction you were as a teen. Wanting so badly to get OUT but making a scrapbook for a boyfriend. I think that speaks to the independence and individuality that is so evident in you now, as well as your nurturing spirit. I’m not sure I’ve ever before thought of those two things as contradictory–being independent and nurturing–but I see now how easily they CAN be. Do you feel you’ve figured out the right balance of those two qualities as you approach 60?

: )