A year ago, I turned 60. It was a big day for me. Over the past three decades, I planned events celebrating each birthday by challenging myself to accomplish something I had not done before.

It all began when I had this epiphany in my 30s of what I did not want to be like in my 60s. For example, one year I ran a marathon, another year I was climbing a mountain. The intention behind these challenges were to show I was still me and could do anything I set my mind to doing.

But when I reached the 60 mark, it felt a little different. I still had a challenge planned but something told me I was looking at aging with new eyes.

For the first time, I was feeling comfortable with myself. I didn’t feel I needed to prove anything to anyone, especially to myself. I believe this was an important step.

Many of us come to this place earlier than age 60 and some find it later in life. It’s about recognizing our true self-worth. If you are thinking about the aging process and how to look at it a little differently, think about these ideas:

Age Is a Number

Age is a number. It accounts for years on earth, but it does not represent life. There are many people who age because of their attitude and mindset.

Each day it’s important to look after yourself. Begin by taking care of your health, physically and mentally. Sometimes, when we do not feel our best, it’s because we need to get more rest, exercise or engage in a project. How we feed our body and spirit has nothing to do with our age.

Live with Passion

Having passion in life means you are not sitting on the sidelines as a spectator. You are active with things that matter to you. These could be creative projects, hobbies, people, or it may be your grandchildren, a charity, church, or business.

You look forward to attending, working or playing, and receive satisfaction from the experience. Having passion has nothing to do with age. It’s a feeling of fulfillment.

Live in The Present

Yesterday is gone and memories are just that – memories. Today is a new day that can open a new world of ideas, adventures, friends and education.

Living in the present means not thinking about how things “used to be” but looking ahead at what can happen today. Continue to set goals and look forward to the next trip, party, or the visit with the special people in your life.

Face Your Fears

I have known several people fearful of the aging process. Fears can be debilitating, whether it’s losing physical or mental abilities, financial worries or loneliness.

The problem with fear is, it can stop us from living a full life. We allow it to interrupt our schedules and dictate what we can do. So often a person will turn down opportunities because of fear.

Fears take control of your life, so it’s important to be on guard and face the true reason you are fearful. Decide if you can take precautions and control the outcome of your decisions. Don’t let fear consume you.

Discover Your True Self

Self-acceptance is the start of freedom at any age. Find satisfaction with yourself. Knowing your strengths and weakness can open a vast world for you. You can be content and find more to enjoy in life with an open mind.

You may find wisdom from your years of experience and feel more confident in sharing your thoughts with others. The smallest things in your life may give you the greatest pleasure, and you will laugh more, even at yourself.

Enjoy each day with a grateful heart, knowing you are living your best life, doing the best you can with what you have and becoming your own best friend.

“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.” – Audrey Hepburn

Do you have a good understanding and acceptance of your strengths and weaknesses? If you have just turned 60, what is the thing you fear most about getting older? Let’s have a chat and banish those fears.