I Turned Sixty Last Week and Discovered I’m a Cheap Date
When Ken asked me how I’d like to spend my birthday, I said, “I want to lounge under a tree, read a book, eat Mexican food, and take a long nap.” So we did just that.
Ken, Grace, and I picked up takeout from our favorite Mexican restaurant, grabbed some vegan peppermint patties from an artisan chocolate shop, then found a grassy park with an obliging Oak and settled beneath it. The afternoon was sunny, quiet, and simply spent. Yet it wasn’t always this way.
Ken and I used to spend money on more elaborate gifts like vacations, fancy meals in restaurants, and buying gadgets. Although we loved the gifts, we gave and received from each other, things have changed over the years. Sure, I wouldn’t mind sitting in a cafe in Lisbon, drinking tea, and reading a book, but now Ken and I exchange presents which cost very little but mean a lot. I’ve played Ken songs on my guitar for our anniversary (poorly, I will admit), put together romantic dinners (not half-bad), and am the recipient of poignant handmade cards and mind melting foot rubs. After six decades, I recognize the best gifts aren’t physical, extravagant, or expensive, but meaningful experiences originating from the heart.
Living with greater simplicity offers many benefits. With fewer things cluttering my house, my mind is more creative, I feel less stressed, and despite the challenges that COVID-19 has brought, I’m more engaged with my friends and family than any other time in my life.
What Your Dog Knows
It took me six decades to arrive at this unencumbered place. But I think that if my dog Grace could speak, she’d most likely say, “Well, I could have told you that. Simple is always better, mom. Woof!”
How many times have I bought Grace a toy only to have her reject it and opt instead for the beat-up old tennis ball she found in a ditch? How often have I sat in front of my computer typing madly, merely to have her slip her head onto my lap; reminding me that fun awaits us at the dog park? How many mornings do I wake up to discover her neck resting against mine, staring out the window at the sunrise, knowing a magnificent day lies ahead?
There are countless health and wellness benefits from having dogs and cats as companions ranging from a healthier and stronger heart, to a sounder and calmer mind. Our animal friends also offer us the priceless gift of unconditional love and enrich our spirits with their uncomplicated wisdom.
Today I’m celebrating not only the passing of my years, but the gratitude that comes from a new understanding that when offered two paths, simpler is often better.
What unexpected life lesson has your dog or cat taught you? I welcome and encourage you to share it with us in the comments box below!
Stay Pawsitive,
💜 Carlyn MDO
PS: If you enjoyed this episode of My Pawsitive Lifestyle, please share it with an animal loving friend!
Happy belated birthday sweet pea Carlyn ❣️ I bet am not surprised you are enjoying the slower pace of like! Me too❣️ 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘 share the kisses with Ken 🥳🎂🎉
Linder!!!! Thx for the birthday wishes. we’re looking forward to you visiting one day soon, when we can do that kind of thing! I’ll kiss Ken for you….and Grace!
This is absolutely beautiful. ♥️
Thank you, Ashley:) Here’ to the simple life!
I’m waiting for PETA to crown you the “sexiest vegetarian over 60.” Can’t believe ten years have passed since I read that article in the SF Chronicle about you!
Wishing you a very happy (belated) birthday.
Hank
Well, unfortunately, you can only run once for the crown:) It’s pretty amazing that almost forty years ago I sat beside you on a plane from Madrid to New York, then thirty years later we met up again after you read that article! Well, I for one, consider myself fortunate that we continue to be friends. Thx for the bday wishes, Hank.