Living My Best Life at 60: A Manifesto for Joy, Confidence, and Purpose

A bit of a reflective read for you this week. I’d love to hear your thoughts…

It feels like a new chapter, a new phase. Time to let go of some things and embrace others. A time to be older and wiser. A time to reflect on how I want my autumn years to be. At 60, I embrace my wisdom, experience, and freedom to live life authentically. As such I’ve decided to commit to my intention and write a Manifesto that will be by reminder to check in against throughout the year.

Here are my declarations to help me live with joy, confidence, and purpose:

1: I know I’m not perfect but I’m not going to beat myself up if I make mistakes. It’s important to remember we are all perfect in our imperfection.

·???????? I release comparison, honouring my unique path.

·???????? I practice compassion so treat myself with the kindness and respect I give to others.

·???????? I accept myself fully, flaws and all.

2: I am going to start my gratitude journal again. I’ve let it slip over the past year or so.

·???????? I celebrate both small and large victories and blessings in my life.

·???????? I live each day with a sense of gratitude, grace, and intention

·???????? I’m thankful for the little things in life that bring me joy.

3: I’ve always loved learning but I want to explore new things/places etc and continue to have more “firsts”.

·???????? I make space for joy, fun, and play in my life.

·???????? I challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone regularly.

·???????? I remain curious and embrace new experiences with excitement.

4 : I’ve made a commitment to myself to invest more in my physical and mental health and wellbeing.

·???????? I nourish my body with healthy food, drink lots of water and include gentle movement daily.

·???????? I value rest, relaxation, and the power of pausing.

·???????? I prioritise my health—mind, body, and soul.

5: It’s becoming increasingly important for me to have more fun with clothes and really epitomise dressing for joy, allowing my style and identity to evolve as I grow????????????

·???????? I choose clothes that make me feel alive and authentic, dressing intentionally, knowing that my style reflects my identity.

·???????? I invest in my appearance because I deserve to feel fabulous.

·???????? I dress to reflect who I am and where I’m going.

6: I’ve spent too much time hating on my body image due to being overweight (even before I was plus size I had issues).

·???????? I love and appreciate my body as it is today.

·???????? I celebrate my body for the life it has supported.

·???????? I nourish my body to prioritise my wellbeing.

7: Hanging onto “stuff” can keep you in the past, physical stuff and emotional, letting go is cathartic.

·???????? I release clothes and items that no longer resonate with who I am to make space for who I am today.

·???????? I choose quality over quantity in both my wardrobe and life.

·???????? I release everything—clothes, ideas, or habits—that no longer serve me.

8: Your past shapes who you are, you can’t change it but you can learn from it.

·???????? I tell my story with pride and courage, using elements of it to help others.

·???????? I give myself permission to take up space and be seen.

·???????? I forgive and let go of resentment, freeing my heart.

9: Coming from a place of life happening ‘for you’ rather than ‘to you’ has changed my perspective on many things.

·???????? I focus on what I can control and release the rest.

·???????? i forgive myself and others, letting go of past mistakes.

·???????? I honour the lessons of my past while focusing on my future.

10: They say you’re the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with.

·???????? I cultivate meaningful relationships that add joy to my life.

·???????? I surround myself with people who uplift and inspire me.

·???????? I fostering a strong, positive network to support my personal and professional growth.

11: I’ve got much better at respecting my own boundaries with age and really appreciate the difference it makes to how I feel in many ways.

·???????? I communicate my boundaries to protect my peace and avoid unnecessary drama.

·???????? I say no when necessary, without guilt or explanation.?????

·???????? I protect my energy as an act of self care by honouring my boundaries.

12: It’s always been my mission in business to be aligned with what makes my heart sing. Over the years I’ve actively defined and refined the work I do.

·???????? I no longer do things I don’t enjoy 100% in terms of business.

·???????? I celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of myself and others.

·???????? I live with purpose, pursuing what lights me up so I feel fulfilled.

13: A few years ago friends and I decided we would redefine our birthdays as “levels” achieved. I feel fortunate to have my health, apart from aches and pains. Also, to be able to look back on life experiences and reflect on the teachings.

·???????? I celebrate each year as a testament to my strength and resilience.

·???????? I cherish the wisdom that comes with age and life experience.

·???????? I celebrate ageing as a privilege and do not take it for granted .

14: My opinions, my thoughts and feelings are valid and I deserve to be heard.

·???????? I speak with confidence and value my voice.

·???????? I’m not afraid to speak my truth.

·???????? I am enough and worth it.

15: Learning and developing myself is important to me. It’s one of my core values.

·???????? I am open and ready for new opportunities that align with my values.

·???????? I continue investing in my personal growth.

·???????? I nurture my passions and hobbies, giving them time and space.

16: I’ve learnt that it’s detrimental to go against my gut feeling, when something feels “off” there’s usually a reason why.

·???????? I trust my intuition and listen to my inner guidance.

·???????? I live boldly and unapologetically, owning my choices.

·???????? I live authentically and make decisions that align with my true self

17: This is about more than candle lit bubble baths. It’s about keeping my different batteries topped up – emotional, spiritual, physical and cognitive.

·???????? I make self-care a non-negotiable priority.

·???????? I maintain balance in all areas of my life.

·???????? I seek relevant support when I need it.

18: I’m no longer at home to making do . In the words of William Morris, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.

·???????? I curate beauty in my life—from my wardrobe to my environment.

·???????? I dress to impress myself.

·???????? I reflect who I am and the life I am living now

19: I value connecting with likeminded people and don’t want to just go through the motions.

·???????? I practice mindfulness, staying present in each moment.

·???????? I am intentional in how I spend my time and energy.

·???????? I am living life fully awake

20: I am who I am, and who I am needs no excuses…

·???????? I live boldly and unapologetically, owning my choices.

·???????? I challenge societal expectations, defining life on my terms

·???????? I fully acknowledge my worth, both personally and professionally.

I am 60, I am fabulous, and this is my time to shine. If I can guide and support others to find their light then that’s even better – a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Have you ever written a manifesto? What would you include in yours?

I’m going to leave you with the lyrics to one of my all time favourite anthems, many artists have recorded it, my favourite version is by the sequinned queen Shirley Bassey, I get goosebumps listening to her ?– you can watch the video here.

https://youtu.be/mKcIF2sFG88

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I am what I am

I am my own special creation

So come take a look

Give me the hook or the ovation

It's my world that I want to have a little pride in

My world and it's not a place I have to hide in

Life's not worth a damn

'Til you can say, I am what I am

I am what I am

I don't want praise, I don't want pity

I bang my own drum

Some think it's noise, I think it's pretty

And so what if I love each sparkle and each bangle?

Why not try to see things from a different angle?

Your life is a sham

'Til you can shout out, I am what I am

I am what I am

And what I am needs no excuses

I deal my own deck

Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces

It's one life and there's no return and no deposit

One life, so it's time to open up your closet

Life's not worth a damn

'Til you can shout out, I am what I am

I am what I am

I am what I am

And what I am needs no excuses

I deal my own deck

Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces

It's one life and there's no return and no deposit

One life, so it's time to open up your closet

Life's not worth a damn

'Til you can shout out, I am what I am

Keep shining!