Nadine J Walters – My Life

Today’s question: What is my current decade, stage, or era, and how does it frame the way I approach life?

My answer: I’ve talked about my age before—I’m in my seventh decade. I’ve transitioned from being “older” to simply “old,” but I’m not quite sure how to define my era. Taylor Swift (yes, I’m a Swiftie) describes her eras as distinct periods or chapters of her career. I, too, have experienced distinct chapters in my life: childhood, adulthood, parenthood, and then empty-nest-hood. Now, I find myself in grandparenthood.

These “hoods” centered around family are just one dynamic of my life story. There’s also my education story, my career story, and my journey through various interests and hobbies. Looking back, I see that I have many, many stories to tell—each stage layered and intertwined with different eras of my life.

To break it down: I’m in my seventh decade, I’m in my “old” stage, and I’m in my retirement era. And how do I feel about that? I’m perfectly okay with it. I’m not worried about being my age. In fact, I love slowing down. I love not having to do things I don’t truly want to do. And most of all, I love finally, to a certain degree, being my own person. Sure, I check in with my husband, but I don’t have anyone directing me or depending on me in the same way they once did. That kind of independence is rather nice.

The only one who truly needs me now is my dog, Andy. And let’s be honest—his needs are simple: treats, walkies, cuddles, and just hanging out. My granddaughter is also a delight, but she’s not my direct responsibility. This stage of life feels good.

Sometimes I think people don’t fully appreciate what a gift it is to grow old. Yes, there are the inevitable stiffness, creaks, and cracks when I bend my knees, but there are also unexpected benefits. My latest? Cataracts. Surgery gifted me with 20/20 vision for the first time in my life! I also teach and work with younger people, and while I have no trouble keeping up, I often don’t feel the need to. And that’s perfectly okay.

While my career era has ended, that hasn’t stopped me from doing things that feel purposeful and rewarding. For the past five years, I was in my yogi era—practicing and teaching yoga. Now, I’ve transitioned into my artist era, with a small side of my writer era. I finally have the time to embrace my creative side, and I’m savoring it.

So here I am, embracing my seventh decade, my grandparenthood status, and my artist era—all with 20/20 vision. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.