Kat's Rambling Mind

Since my birthday in February 2025, I’ve made a big deal out of the fact that I’m sixty now. Is sixty old enough to start handing out sage advice? To ponder all the complexities and simplicities of the universe and expound upon them to those younger than myself? Or, dare I say, even to those older than me?

Well, I don’t know about all that folderol, but I do know that I haven’t reached sixty without learning a few things. I saw a question posed today that asked, “What are the most important things needed to live a good life?”, and I stopped to think; what does it take? I was a little dismayed to see how many people answered simply, “money”.

I guess it depends on what one considers “a good life”. My idea of a good life is one where an overarching sense of peace prevails. Having spent a large part of my life being spun around by my own emotions like some sort of bizarre mental teacup ride, I’m pleased to say that I’ve reached an age where I feel more at peace than I ever have. Granted, some of that is due to the miracle of modern pharmaceuticals, but I’ll take it, and am ever grateful.

Of course, the main reason for my peace now comes from rediscovering my faith at this stage of my life. I had my years of turmoil and doubt, which I feel now was all a part of learning and growing. But once I learned to trust and ease up on the controls, the emotional seas settled, and the elusive sense of peace I’d been searching for came to me.

So what are my brilliant insights on living a good life? Well, let’s see…

If You Need Help, ASK For Help

This seems like a such a simple thing, but believe me, it can be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. We all like to think we can handle our problems, our disappointments, all our various trials and tribulations; it’s easy to imagine that it’s even expected of us. After all, keep a stiff upper lip, they say. While that’s a good idea in theory, sometimes we can get overwhelmed by life. If you find yourself struggling, ask for help. Reach out to a friend, a family member, your pastor, or if you don’t have a pastor, a support group or a mental health alliance. It could very well save you from drowning in life’s challenges. People can’t help if they don’t know, so ASK.

Moderation In All Things

Eat, drink, and be merry! Okay, but not that much food, and definitely not that much drink. Of the three, if you absolutely must overdo it, go heavy on the merriment. A good dose of merry never really hurt anyone, in my opinion. Laugh all you can, as often as you can.

Stay Close To Your Loved Ones

Whether it’s family, or friends, or just your own little tribe of weirdos, stay close to people who love and accept you. Their support can pull you through the tough times life will inevitably hand you. Try not to screw this one up, because once some people are done, they’re done; make sure it isn’t you they’re finished with. Don’t take them for granted. Say “I love you”. Make it awkward. Weird it out together.

Have Faith

I believe in a loving God, so I strive to work on my faith in my higher power, and to follow the teachings of Christ. Your experience may vary, but I’ve found that a sense of wonder and faith will sustain you throughout whatever you may be faced with. Faith in yourself is also important, as is a sense of faith in humanity. I know, that humanity one is tough sometimes, but try. Hope is a discipline; practice it daily.

Stay Humble

I don’t know about y’all, but anytime I’ve ever gotten too high up on my horse, life has promptly knocked me off and landed me squarely on my metaphorical butt. Humility is a journey. Walk a little lighter, speak a little more softly, and listen more intently. There is always something to be learned. Remember that it’s not all about you.

Be YOU

This last one sounds trite, but being yourself is absolutely one of the keys to a good life. We often get caught up in who society tells us we should be that we can forget who we actually ARE. We’re bright, shining, unique miracles of life that have the great blessing of being alive in this particular moment in time. Don’t waste a second of it, because it goes by in a flash.

So those are my words of wisdom at the tender age of sixty. I encourage you all to think of what makes your life a good life, and really concentrate on those things. Seek out the light in your life, and sing praises for those things and may your life be filled with love and peace.