This year, I decided it was time to improve my life by trying new things. Somewhere along the way, I realized I had slipped into a bit of a rut. Now that I’m in my sixties, I don’t want my days to just blur together. I want them to feel alive.

So I made a commitment to myself: I’m going to shake things up.

First, I committed to an exercise plan. Last night, I was invited to play pickleball. I used to play in my twenties and thirties—long before it became as popular as it is today. I wasn’t great back then, and I’m probably still not great now. But that’s not the point. I want to get out, move my body, laugh, and be around people. I don’t want to become someone who sits around and complains about getting older. I want to move, maybe get a little sore, and feel proud of myself for simply showing up.

I’ve also been making more of my meals at home instead of eating out. Cooking for one has been an adjustment. I grew up in a big family where we always ate at home. Later, I raised two children and cooked dinner every night. Now, many evenings, it’s just me. Surprisingly, I’ve found that I really enjoy cooking for myself. It’s an act of care, creativity, and independence. I’m learning how to tweak recipes and portions—and discovering that cooking for one can still feel special.

Another new challenge has been learning to create videos. This has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. Some days I find myself wondering, “Why didn’t I try this sooner?” It’s exciting to learn something completely new and realize that growth doesn’t have an age limit.

I even bought a pattern and some fabric to start sewing again. In my twenties, I made many of my own clothes, and I loved it. Sewing feels like reconnecting with a younger version of myself—one who wasn’t afraid to create, experiment, and try.

Most importantly, I’ve realized how much I need to spend time with like-minded people—those who lift me up instead of bring me down. I want to be around people who encourage me to be my best self, and who feel encouraged by me in return. That kind of energy matters.

I want to wake up in the morning feeling enthusiastic about the day ahead. I want to go to bed with fond memories of how I spent my time. I want to keep growing, keep moving, and keep trying.

So yes, I’m shaking things up a little bit.

And it feels good.