A list of things I’ve learned is quite long. Here are the ones that bubbled to the top when I gave thought to my life lessons.
!. No is as satisfactory an answer as yes. I grew up in the South where the culture, at least for girls, was to say yes (mam) no matter what I thought or wanted. I decided when I was fifty to have my yes’s mean yes and my no’s mean no. A more satisfactory arrangement.
2. Freedom is a gift I can give myself. Giving myself permission to grow into myself was exhilarating. It’s not always pretty but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Accepting myself as I am is the key.
3. Taking risks is the machinery of change. I have learned to trust myself to the future of my sometime scary actions and am surprised where I land. Risking stretches me and grows my wings.
4. Love does not define marriage. Marriage defines love. After being twice married and divorced I have shed my romantic ideals. Instead I see the beauty of partner’s shaping a lifetime of history together out of what was given them. Solitude is a gift of being single that suits me now.
5. A sense of humor and the ability to laugh at myself is a gift of aging. Old age is funny and a special time to be embraced. I have gained wisdom and am also free to be childlike. It is delightful to be audacious. People don’t mess with white-haired old women when their minds are made up.
6. Children and grandchildren are the center of my life. Watching my six grandchildren grow into their unique selves fills my heart to overflowing. I wasn’t sure how to be a grandmother because I had no role model. Both of mine died before I was three years old. I’ve learned this is not a one-size-fits-all thing. All I need do is love them and show up. They take it from there.
7. I’ve learned that when I walk out my door there is a universe waiting to engage me with surprises and people there to catch me when I fall down.
poetrybyheart.me 
This is such a wise post. I was about your age when I first began to embrace the concept I could say Yes or No depending on what I wanted. Sense of humor essential!
Isn’t it lovely to speak truthfully? And Yes to humor. 🙂
Oh indeed it is.
Thank you for such grounding wisdom. Beautiful.
Many thanks for your comment. ❤
Great Lessons in life!! Thank you
You’re welcome. Thanks for your comment.
Love this – I still struggle with the ‘NO’ but I am working on it – I identify with lots of your other ones – we oldies win hands down in the wisdom stakes
I love your comment about us oldies. Good for you becoming a “no” sayer.
last line definitely shows great wisdom
Thanks. I appreciate your saying that.
I am glad you have grown not only in age but in wisdom.
I am glad you are full of love for family
I wish you very best
love and light ❤
Anand 🙂
Many thanks for your loving response to my list. 🙂
Welcome, Viva 🙂
Just having a grand parent is such a joy to children, especially when they impart knowledge and love. I miss my grand mother, who despite her idiosyncracies, is a very beloved one. 🙂 I loved the way you honestly conveyed your life lessons 🙂
Thanks. Your comment means a lot to me. 🙂
Wonderful list!!!!
Thanks. Glad you like it. 🙂