When I first started thinking about the decade coming to an end. My first thought was that it had been a quiet decade for me, with very little happening, and few changes to my life. But as I flipped through my diaries and online calendars, I realised that the decade was actually quite eventful. It was a decade of resettling and new beginnings but also lots of fun times. The previous decade had been quite tumultuous with the sudden break down of my 33 year marriage and my decision to move to a new city where I knew nobody. There have been many memories made in the past decade, which I never would have expected at the start of the decade. I find myself at the end of the decade in a really good place, living a life of happiness and peace. What more could anyone ask for?
- Participated in Michelle Bridges first 12WBT program, becoming an ambassador to this program for three years.
- Walked 100k from Flinders Street Station, Melbourne to Sorrento in 24 hours. This was not an organised walk, just two friends walking 100k for no other reason than they could.
- Built a new house in Bendigo, where I was starting to feel very settled.
- Started a new relationship with my partner.
- Bought a cafe. I knew nothing about running a cafe, or even working in a cafe. It was a huge learning experience but one that I loved.
- Walked over 1000k in six weeks on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, to celebrate turning 60.
- My father passed away, while I was in Spain.
- Sold the cafe and retired, which didn’t last long. It seems that I wasn’t ready for retirement.
- Very memorable holiday in the United States, during which I attended the world’s largest genealogical conference ROOTSTECH in Salt Lake City.
- My 16 year old poodle passed away while I was in the US.
- Participated in Coastrek. Our team of four was amazing and lots of fun was had on the day and during training sessions leading up to the event.
- Elected President of local community group Axedale Our Town Our Future.
- Bought our off the grid property, where we are developing a sustainable lifestyle.
- Unexpectedly offered a job, in a completely different industry at age 63. I’m still employed in that job.
- Appointed to the Positive Ageing Advisory Council by City of Greater Bendigo.
- Many fun nights out, weekends, and holidays with friends, both online friends and ‘in real life’ friends.
- Participated in many fun runs, cycling events and official long distance walking events
Looking back, has made me realise, my experience of the past decade was perfect. I feel an edge of excitement as we head into the new year and the new decade, for what may be to come. I do wonder what is on the horizon that I don’t even know about yet.
How was this decade for you? What was your highlight? I’d love to hear about it and really appreciate it when you join in the conversation. I promise to reply to all comments.
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What a lovely post Jen, and it is good to look a where we have been and what we have learned from our experiences. I’m not sure where the last 10 years have gone but if I take the time to look back my highlights would be running two full marathons, many half marathons, the births of my two gorgeous grandsons, turning 60 plus more. Thanks for making me take a few moments to reflect on my last 10 years. Here’s to another fun filled decade for you Jen xx
I’m sure the past decade has been huge for you Sue. So many highlights. Thanks again for visiting
It has Jen and thanks for being part of #MLSTL. Hope you will join us next year. xx
Omgoodness…wake up call I just realized its the end of decade and start of a new one. Thank you x. Gosh you certainly have done a lot. Walked from Flinders Street to Sorento…wow….I struggle to walk from my house in Capel Sound to Rosebud lol…you have done so much in these 10 years….looking forward to seeing what you get up to. #MLSTL
Bree I had to look up where Capel Sound is as I haven’t heard of it. Or thought I hadn’t. We would have walked through it in way to Sorrento. Thanks for visiting
Looking back over a decade is a really interesting experience. We have had both good things happen, and some sad things. It does make us realize that we are always evolving and there is always something new on the horizon. I hope your next decade is a good one and that there are many good things in store for you!
Michele I think that over the course of ten years there’s sure to be both good and bad. That’s just life.
Hi Jennifer – I’m actually writing a post about my decade in January (I ran out of time in December!) I’ve had a really good decade in a lot of ways but also the nightmare job that threw a spanner in the works for me.
I’m feeling really great again now and looking forward to what the next ten years have in store for me. I’m glad you can look back with such positivity too – I think ultimately, it’s how we choose to look at our life that makes all the difference – silver linings are everywhere!
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM ☺️
Leanne I’d say you e probably finished the decade in a very different state of mind to what you expected. Thanks again for visiting
That sounds like a pretty huge decade! Good for you and for moving forward so positively. I’m sorry you lost both your dad and your dog while you were away – that would be very tough.
Thanks Christine. I’m a bit worried about going away now in case I lose someone else. 😂
Phew! Sounds like a lot in just 10 short years. You actually got me thinking about what’s gone on in the past 10 years and I was surprised to realize how much.
I thought the same until I gave it some thought
My big thing in this past decade was retirement in 2014… but that started a whole new lifestyle! So much has happened in the last 5 years of the decade, which I summarized in my own blog post about items on my Bucket List I checked off. I am looking forward now to the next decade… which coincides to the decade of my 60’s.
I remember your bucket list post Patricia. I particularly remember being impressed with how many items were ticked off. This coming decade will be my retirement decade so interesting times ahead,
Sounds like a full decade and very active, the walks sound amazing and I would like to focus on walking more i the future. Did you always walk long distances it was it a journey you started culminating in the longer walks, I’m sorry if you have written about it already,.
Actually Kim I haven’t probably posted about how I got the long distance walking big. I started small and gradually increased over time. I like to burn lots of calories in an exercise session. Look distance walking is perfect for that
Your article is a perfect example of why we need to take notes in some form as time passes. The past can become a bit of a blur but taking stock can be so empowering and so reassuring. Your timeline is really very impressive, Jennifer!
What you say is so true Agnes. I plan to record all my life events , either major or minor from now on. My memory isn’t that great
Gosh Jenny, you have reminded me it IS the end of a decade. I cannot believe it’s been 20 years in 2020 since the Sydney Olympics.
I am “glad” to be done with the decade actually. It’s brought me more heartaches than love but then again, that is also what has helped me grown.
I am going to ponder this some more!
Thanks for sharing. I hope you enjoy a festive Christmas and New Year.
Denyse #mlstl
Sounds like there’s a blog post in your thoughts Denyse. I look forward to reading it. Merry Christmas c
What a great recap Jennifer and it’s so good to read your thoughts on the decade that was. I’m also excited about the new year, as you say we never know what’s around the corner. Have shared for #mlstl
Thanks for visiting again Deb and thanks also for sharing
What an amazing journey you’ve been on Jennifer. Life is full of so many twists and turns…some we prepare for or even instigate, and others that catch us completely by surprise. I’m glad you are able to look back and realize this past decade was just perfect for you and your life. Here’s to the next 10 being just as perfect! #MLSTL
Thanks hanks Christie and I agree with you about life’s twists and turns. Never a dull moment which is a good thing