Life Over 60: Avoiding “What If?” and Embracing Blessings

Chocolate Cake from HEB on Over 50 Feeling 40

Today is my 67th birthday…WOA, these are progressing way too fast!  But, it is always a time of reflection for me and today I want to discuss how I choose to avoid the question, “What If?” and embrace the many blessings I have in my life! 

Now that I am way over 60 and barreling toward 70, I have to say that except for just a few areas, I am very happy with who I am and desire that anyone reading this blog feel the same way about themselves.

Summer Chico's top and necklace on Over 50 Feeling 40

I just do not believe in living with a “What If?” mindset…it can rob you of joy so quickly.  What if the pandemic hangs on?  What if the economy collapses?  What if we are not properly prepared for retirement years?  What if my plan to be self-employed doesn’t work?  What if? What if? What if?  I would rather think, What if I choose to be happy, right where I am…today and enjoy this day for the gift that it is?

Flowers from Trader Joe's on Over 50 Feeling 40

I am truly blessed and make certain I am purposeful to count those blessings throughout each day.  These are the flowers Mr. B got me for my birthday at Trader Joe’s.  Sunflowers are such joyful flowers and remind us to smile and count those blessings…like the gift of family. provisions for the day, good health, and who we are.  I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who worked hard to make this a special day.   

Sure, we are spending more time at home during the pandemic, but I am blessed to have a wonderful home to be in with my own office, friendly neighbors, and a lovely environment. This time will pass one day, but there are many optimistic ways to look at it. 

Flowers from Trader Joes on over 50 feeling 40

I choose to not allow the number to frighten me but enliven me!   There are many times being a blogger is tough.  Someone doesn’t like my hair…or what I wear…or how I look…or what I write…or compares me to someone else.  But, I want to say right here and now…that I like me. 

Oh, there are many things I can do to improve me…but I am content overall with how this 67-year-old woman has turned out.  I really hope to inspire those reading to feel the same way about yourself.  Don’t allow anyone to rob you of that joy or confidence.  Liking….loving yourself is very. powerful and is the foundation of confident living.  Confidence helps me to look forward to each and every day to see what it holds for me…no matter what circumstances are circling around it. 

HELPING ME TO FEEL GREAT

This photo was taken just a couple of weeks ago.  I am so thankful to Chamonix skincare and their Genucel products…thanks to them I do not believe I look 67 and, of course, I love that.  Their products are all natural, plant-based, and they use a process called plant stem cell technology.

The very first beauty process I do in the mornings is to wash my face, and then put on this Genucel Deep Firming Serum.  Recently I was at the esthetician and she commented on how firm my complexion is.  That is due to Chamonix!

Chamonix Skincare on Over 50 Feeling 40

They get a big thank you on my birthday for helping me to smile!  I use the serum and the GENUCEL XV every morning.  This is the brand I use and stand by, so you do not see me promoting a host of skincare products.  I believe completely in this natural line of products and you will see immediate results. 

 

So, please share with us what blesses you today!  I love to read all of your blessings and encourage you to concentrate on them.  I celebrated on Sunday with cake and frozen yogurt with my family…yes, I ate the cake from HEB and it was wonderful.  Today, Mr. B, the household barista, made a special breakfast!  

Thanks to everyone of you for being here and never hesitate to send topics you would like me to cover on the blog.  I would love to hear what you think!  Of course, I have a birthday slideshow below!  Since, it is my birthday, I decided to do a slideshow about one of my favorite summer garments…the kimono!

KEEP SMILING…and count your blessings!

JUST A NOTE:

Pamela Lutrell for Goli GummiesThere are several ways that I generate income through this blog in order to cover business expenses and give myself much needed income.  Purchases through the slideshow links is one way, ads on the page is one way and a new way is through ordering or re-ordering the GOLI Apple Cider Vinegar gummies through me with my GOLI LINK HERE.  Again, if you are not familiar with the benefits of apple cider vinegar, you should speak with your personal physician.  My husband and I are sold on the benefits and I am proud to represent this product.  I am going to leave this at the bottom of my posts so that when you, friends or family would like to order you can use my link.  Thanks for the support.  This is a great product; as well as, the ones below!

 

Mr. B and I love our meals from Sun Basket!

Sun Basket on Over 50 Feeling 40

 

Sun Basket is a delicious, easy, fun home delivery meal plan

 

By Pamela Lutrell

100 Comments

  1. Happy Birthday Pam! Thanks for writing this column. Your positive attitude shines through.

  2. Happy Birthday…
    I hope your day is full of love and laughter…
    I agree living with what if’s is counter productive.
    I say seize the day and make it your own…
    We can all choose to contribute positivity to those
    around us…

  3. Happy Birthday ! We like you too 🙂 And what a beautiful blue top, this blue is deep and joyful at the same time, perfect.

  4. Happy Birthday! To a a young looking, forward thinking woman who is radiant and exudes confidence, class and kindness.

  5. Happy birthday! Wishing you a beautiful day full of joy, blessings and happiness!

  6. Happy birthday Pam! Wishing you health, happiness and blessings! Your blog is a radiant source of positive energy that I look forward to reading each day.

  7. Happy birthday, Pam! Love your flowers! I, too, believe that our attitude is so important! I do not live in fear during this season of time. I will continue to do whatever I can to stay safe. God is in control!

  8. I turned 67 in May. 1953 was a great year! You are one of my favorite over 60 bloggers. Thank you for your beautiful inspiring blog! Happy Birthday!

  9. A very happy birthday, Pam! You always look so pretty and youthful so please worry nit about the number. It’s how you feel inside—healthy and serene.
    I’m 73 and since my exercise center never opened again I walk twice a day and do my own yoga practices. I miss the friends at the Center but push on. Moving the body definitely produces a positive reward on the spirit! Enjoy your special day And those wonderful flowers! Hugs! Sounds like you gave a plan going forward. That is good!

  10. Happy birthday, Pam. One blessing I have is reading your blog. It inspires me, challenges me, comforts me. Thanks for being such a positive influence in my life!

  11. Happy BIRTHDAY. Have a wonderful, blessed day. Live every day to the fullest. Be kind to yourself. We make such an effort to be kind to others, and forget we deserve the same consideration.

  12. A Very Happy Birthday to you.
    You do look fabulous and have such a positive attitude that contributes to that. We are pleased to have your blog to catch up with and keep us on a positive path and uplifted. Have a wonderful birthday, and thanks to Mr.B for making you smile.

  13. Hi Pam and Happy Birthday to you!

    You look so happy in your photos and are such an inspiration! Wishing all the very best for your year ahead!

    I am blessed with a wonderful husband — whose birthday is also today!

  14. Happy Birthday to a truly elegant women. I love your confidence and your desire to always want to learn something new. Like you, I am thankful for my many blessings especially my family and friends. Enjoy your special day.

  15. Happy Birthday, Pam! Sounds like you had a special celebration with your loved ones! You are a joy and I am blessed that I found you and your wonderful blog! You warmth, kindness and genuine spirit shine through. Isn’t it wonderful to know that even though we have foundered and made mistakes, His mercies are new each day!?!! We can try again, and start over ….. and like you, reinvent ourselves if we want to! As Paul said in 2 Timothy… “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” I know that normally we think of this at the END of our life — and you are NOWHERE near the end, Pamela! — but as we get older (and that is the purpose of birthdays…we want to continue to get older! 🙂 , we have more years behind than in front of us and how we finish is how we will be remembered. I am blessed with a wonderful family – loving husband, children and grandchildren – and hope that I will be missed and remembered with love as a wife, mama and Mimi that loved them well and loved the Lord even more!
    Have a blessed day!

  16. Birthdays are a blessing and a reason for celebration. Next week I’ll be turning 69! So hard to believe but so very grateful for the opportunity to do so! Happy Birthday to you!

  17. Happy birthday! I agree you have many blessings, as do I. And your what if? questions made me feel like you had a microphone in our living room today. Lots of that kind of discussion happening all around us. As a new retiree who tends to be a worrier, retirement means mixed emotions. What’s helpful to me is to remind myself that all humans have problems, but we are fortunate indeed that we have First World problems. Most of the world is facing this pandemic with a shortage of food, and not even clean water with which to wash their hands. Compared to their problems, my what ifs are minuscule. Enjoy your cake and flowers, and kudos to your lovely husband for honoring your birthday in such a nice way.

  18. ¡Feliz cumpleaños! A very happy birthday to my favorite blogstress! 🌼🌼🌼 Wishing you a year of robust health, deep satisfaction, and the love of friends and family near and far.

  19. Happy birthday Pam!! You look great!! Keep that positive attitude and beautiful smile! 😊

  20. Thanks Paulette…I do move, but need to move more and eat less! After today….

  21. That is true, Freda. I love to live each day…one day at a time…to its fullest. Blessings!

  22. He did go above and beyond this year…just finished a delicious breakfast he did for me. Thanks so much Diane.

  23. Peggy, you made my day! I do not know that I have reached true elegance yet, but I am working on it. Very much a work in progress…but so appreciate your encouragement!

  24. Happy Birthday to YOU…and congratulations on another ride around the sun! Agree with you on how blessed we are despite this pandemic, and how important it is to enjoy what we have right now. 65 here…and thinking of all my friends and family who did not get to this age, so I am grateful beyond measure. Wishing you many birthday blessings!

  25. Such precious words, Shirley. His mercies are new every morning…great is His faithfulness. Thank you for sharing…

  26. Happy Birthday early, Linda! I hope you will have a special day full of blessings.

  27. You are right, Linda…so many are in far worse shape. It is good to keep things in perspective. I am blessed beyond all measure. Thanks for sharing…we are all having the same concerns.

  28. Happy Birthday, Pamela! You are one of my blessings in life. You always have good information and present it with a smile. I am abundantly blessed but sometimes need reminding…ha!

  29. Don’t we all, Donna! It is easy these days to slip into a funk….thanks for being here and for the birthday blessings!

  30. Happy birthday! Each year is a gift to enjoy and to grow. Thank you for making so many people happy with your messages.

  31. Happy birthday! Each year is a gift and a chance to grow. Thank you for your daily blog. It makes so many people happy including me.

  32. Thank you, Jill. It gives me so much joy to do this and get to know all of you!

  33. Happy birthday, Pam. I also believe it is so very important to appreciate our blessings each day. I am grateful for my husband, children, grandchildren, parents, home, friends, church, and especially for Jesus!! Thank you for your blog. I read and enjoy it every day. Happy birthday!!!

  34. I have always admired that you know what you want and you go for it! You have had that confidence since you were young and it has been fun for me to see you ‘grab the bull by the horns’ and live your life that way. I still remember you saying that you were going to do a makeover on yourself – you were tired of the ‘mom’ look. And you did! And you knew others would come on this journey with you – and they have! I also love reading your blog. You inspire me. Happy Birthday, dear friend. I hope it is everything you could wish for! Hugs!

  35. So glad to have you as part of my story, Kay! You are such a blessing to so many people!

  36. Happy 67th Birthday! I appreciate everything you’ve written today about time, ageing, and self-discovery. It’s wonderful to know who we are and what we are about, makes it easier to tune out the noise from others. Enjoy your special day because there’s no one just like you!

  37. Happy Birthday dear Pamela – and many, many more beautiful years. And NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT do you look your age – 10 years younger! I get so much from your blog and hope you keep writing and educating us for years to come. God bless you!

  38. Happy birthday and thank you for this post. I retired last month after 30 years of teaching. I find myself focusing on the “What ifs” instead of the “I’m so happy because…” Your post is exactly what I needed to help me remember to focus on the good and find joy in everything. Thank you.

  39. Happy Birthday, Pam! Thanks for once again sharing your positive and encouraging outlook on life. We can so easily get caught up in the “what ifs” instead of enjoying the present moment. As one who used to live more in the future than the present, always planning for and anticipating what was still to come, one of my retirement goals was to learn to live more in the present moment. Little did I think that it would take cancer to teach me that lesson, but I can truthfully say that that has been one positive outcome. I have truly learned to appreciate each day for the gift that it is even in the midst of this pandemic.

  40. Happy Birthday 🎁🎊🎂!
    Your article’s are always spot on and relevant to many women’ of a certain age.
    I thank you and pray for your continued blessings and success as you travel down your beautiful life.
    Rajean

  41. Happy Birthday 🎁🎊🎂!
    Your article’s are always spot on and relevant to many women of a certain age.
    I thank you and pray for your continued blessings and success as you travel down your beautiful life.
    Rajean

  42. Thanks for sharing this Elaine…I bet there is someone who needed to hear your voice today. Thank you for sharing your journey with cancer. You are a light to many.

  43. Happy Birthday to a lady who is joyful, thoughtful and has such a zest for life. May your birthday be wonderful and the coming year full of blessings.

  44. Happy Birthday to you Pam! One of the most admired persons in my life was my mother-in-law. She also has a July birthday and passed at 98. She inspired everyone in the family with her positive attitude throughout her life and left this impression down to the grandchildren. My greatest compliment to you is that you are a reminder of her, most especially to keep smiling, she sang of it always. Many blessings to you.

  45. Thank you so much, Joanne. This blesses me so much. I am honored that I remind you of her…and I love to sing as well!

  46. Happy birthday, Pamela!! Your smile and positive outlook on life will keep you looking young for years to come! You are the happy sunflower of the blogosphere! 🌻
    I love all those kimonos! They are really so practical and great for travel as they work for day and evening and can even work as a robe in a pinch. Plus, they weigh next to nothing and I feel so happy when I wear one. I wore a new one for the first time yesterday, even though I never left the house.

  47. Happy, happy birthday, Pam! You look radiant and 15 years younger than your age! I’ve got to order some of that Genucel serum. They’ve got a great sale going on now too! Look forward to reading your blog – you’re an amazing woman!

  48. I wear them at home as well, Susan. I love a fun, colorful kimono for most occasions! Perfect to keep us cool in the summer. Thank you for your kind words…made me smile!!

  49. Happy Birthday! Yes, “what if’s “ can rob you of your daily joy! I say to myself, “ no woulda, coulda, shouldas”! I have done the best I knew how and when I knew better I did better. Take care

  50. Happy birthday! I like you too! Your cake was very elegant!

    My current gratitude list:
    God loves all equally;
    We live on a couple acres with excellent well water;
    My beloved husband is here;
    Extra months with my daughters who left their apartments in other cities to quarantine with us;
    My parents are in a nice house and are well;
    Relatives and close friends are healthy;
    Family able to work from home;
    Internet! Amazon!
    More time with our four fur babies and daughter’s lizard;
    My many house plants are thriving because I’m around to notice signals;
    preparing healthy meals;
    Heightened self care;
    Reading;
    Time to write;
    Putting outfits together and adding jewelry so everything is ready, but knowing I don’t have to dress or put on makeup at all;
    Spirit of India Incense in the morning;
    Finally going through my closet;
    Not having to leave home;
    Not having to be in cars and traffic;
    Redecorating with more happy hippie vibes;
    Relief from go-go mentality;
    Not feeling like I should be social during this time when it’s unnerving;
    Just breathing deeply and letting go;
    Listening to and watching birds;
    Festival chill atmosphere (PLUR) in house;
    fresh air out here in the country;
    Gin martini with feta stuffed jumbo olives;
    Laughing with family;
    Daughter finished grad program and quickly got a great and meaningful job, even though she was interviewing on zoom during covid;
    Other daughter enjoying her grad program and wanting an academic career;
    Being more creative;
    Hot Showers with many products I love;
    Alexa;
    Good health care benefits if needed;
    Music, mostly Beatles and Mozart;
    I cut my own hair and it’s absolutely perfect;
    Kimonos;
    That age really is just a number;
    Your blog!

  51. IHappy 67th birthday Pam! 🌻💐 I hope you are having a special day! You look fabulous! 🥳

  52. Special birthday greetings to a lovely,confident and joyful lady.You are a positive role model and I love your blog.

  53. Best wishes to a lady whose spirit shines from within. I love your attitude to life and your blog! I am a firm believer in embracing life as it is, and not what it might have been. Harder some days than others, of course!

  54. Happy Birthday Pamela! Hope you had a wonderful day. Love your blog! I’m 67 too and enjoying it! Keep up the great work!

  55. Happy Birthday, Pam! May this be the beginning of a year filled with blessings galore! It so true that the what ifs can rob us of today’s happiness. Whether it is regrets over the past or worries about the future, it is out of our control. Today & this moment is all the we have, so let’s enjoy our blessings.

  56. Happy 67th Birthday, Pam! It was fun reading about your day! My husband turned 67 this year too, I just turned 62. You mentioned previously that your husband was hoping you could keep working a few more years, is he still working? My husband has retired from Boeing after 37 years and he wanted me to retire too this year which I now have. Covid and turning 62 was a good incentive for me as well as my heart just wasn’t in my job of 37 years anymore. It’s a bit of an adjustment being together 24/7 now with the Covid restrictions but I taking your advice as practice to be elegant, patient and classy! 😍 I have to say it’s kind of a relief to not have to drive to the office to work all day. Again, Happy Birthday!! 🎂🎉❤️

  57. My husband is still working, Kelly. I agree it is an adjustment, but for us, in many ways our relationship has strengthened. I think we both need time off now and then. Thank you for being here and for he birthday wishes.

  58. Happy Birthday Pam. 67 has not been so bad ! I will be 68 August 13! So ready to chalk Another one off. I retired 2 years ago from a 30 year high stress job of 60-80 hours a week . As I sit now I think now what an idiot! But it has made me have a very comfortable retirement. As I am headed to the beach and lobster today so there are no what ifs in my life just joy! Enjoy your birthday 🎂

  59. I don’t know if you’ll see this so long after it was posted (I’m catching up!), but I wanted to wish you the very happiest of birthdays Pam! Such a great idea to focus on the blessings instead of the craziness going on around us! Your words are inspiring, to live and enjoy the blessings of today rather than dive into all the “what ifs”. Such great advice and a great way to live life! I’m sure your birthday was made very special and that’s wonderful! I’m on that fast track with you, being the same age, but seriously, I’m going to remember this and spend much more time focused on blessings. I’d rather move forward happy than fearful! Thank you for all your inspiring posts, and a very happy, albeit belated, birthday!!

  60. Happy birthday Pamela! Beautiful post. Keep smiling and doing what you do. All my best for a successful year.

  61. A very special Birthday wish for you. I enjoy your posts and your photos so much. I have ordered a number of items due to your good influence. Wish I had know about the Genucel products a long time ago and I might be in better shape than I am. But I continue to plug away.This last year,with the 6 general anethesias,has really been hard on my skin. So I am trying everything that I read about! Your skin is certainly proof that those products are good for one’s skin. You wear your years well. Keep it up. It’s only a number! after all!

Comments are closed.