Nothing dreadful about being 86

A week ago, or perhaps even as late as Friday, I dreaded being 86. And then, suddenly it happened, and the world didn’t fall off its axis. In fact, the day itself was mildly celebrationary and very pleasant. A hot day in early November, a gathering of people who love me, and messages from friends wishing me a happy day and year.

I remember other years like this. Years when the age I’d have to grow into felt vaguely unpleasant, to be endured. I’d forgotten, but they all seemed to work out, and I’m sure being 86 will be just fine.

Read more: Nothing dreadful about being 86

Now my birthday’s over for another year, what’s next?

My birthday journal

Twenty-three years ago, a dear friend gave me a notebook. It has beautiful illustrations and the paper is smooth and glossy. As a writer, I find all new notebooks irresistable, but this was special. I decided to use it as a ‘birthday journal’.

Each year since then I’ve made a list of things I planned for the year ahead. Goals, if you like. Some items recurr, year after year, because they are important enough for me to repeat them.

Each birthday, I also list the things I’ve achieved during the past year. They’ve sometimes been new and often more exciting than the things I hoped for.

The notebook covers my Master of Arts Degree and a PhD. Several house-moves. Marriage. Publication of a book (Other People’s Country) and other less momentous events.

However, rather sadly, for the past few years, both lists have been pedestrian, grey in colour. Wihout excitement. They signal time for change.

My list on being 86

Being 86 looks as if it might be a good year after all. Here’s my plan, in no special order.

• See more of the people I care about, especially those who do not live close.
• Go on another holiday. This year’s trip to the snow gave me a taste of what’s possible.
• Spend three nights away from home for pleasure. (Not because I’m in need of care!)
• Swim 110 kilometres during the year and walk most days.
• Review at least 12 books, including three by Indigenous writers and four from the Miles Franklin and Stella Literary Award lists.
• Write and post 52 blogs.
• Go on a least 24 ‘Artist’s Dates’. I love this idea from Julia Cameron and look forward to these outings.
• Enjoy the Perth Writers Festival in February, 2024.
• Participate in an an online ‘Writing in the Dark‘ workshop, which starts on 6 December.
• Do three new things I haven’t yet thought of.

There are also a couple of other legal, boring, things to complete, but they don’t rate a place on this list.

Review

With my list of goals, I’m looking forward to getting on with the challenge of being 86. I also look forward to being able to review my list this time next year, and to share how I did with my readers.

If you’ve experienced years that your birthday seemed daunting, even ones you wished would go away, I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.