Another year has passed, and my birthday has come around again. This year I turned 83.

As I looked back on the past year, I am pleased to say that it has been an exciting year for both my family and me.

I was able to accomplish things that I wanted to do. I had one of my stories accepted and published in a book.

Although I have traveled overseas many times in past years, at my age, I thought my overseas traveling days were over. I guess I just needed a good reason to travel again.

I wanted to go to Canada for two reasons, I had never been there before and the most important reason was to see and hear my grandson speak at the World Championships of Public Speaking.

Two days before the flight to Canada I was taken to hospital with a viral infection, I remained positive and was able to travel to Canada with my daughter and my other grandson.

Although I was not very well I watched my grandson place second in his semi-final.          After an enjoyable week in Vancouver, we flew to L.A. We spent two wonderful weeks with my grandson. When you have a positive attitude everything is possible, even for an oldie like me!

The reason I am writing this blog is to encourage others around my age to do the things that make their life enjoyable. Although I am getting older, my age has not stopped me from setting goals and achieving them.

I had set a goal to write 50 blog posts before my 83^rd At the time it seemed a daunting task, but I am happy to say I finished my 50^th blog a week before my birthday.

Now that I am 83 I will still find new things to work towards before my next birthday.

I have never been on a cruise so that will be one of my next goals.

I know that getting older is different for everyone, but it is not a reason to stop planning and looking forward to new and exciting things in our lives.

Writing these blogs has made me look back at some of the things that I have done in my life, as well as the things I have learned. It also reminds me that there are many things that I have yet to do.

This allows me to focus on the positive side of getting older and being free to do whatever gives me and those around me happiness.

I am not a wealthy person, but my life is enriched by the freedom to enjoy whatever time the good Lord has given me.

Some people like to save everything up for a future day, instead of enjoying it in the present.

I like to spend the present, enjoying life, and have all those precious memories to enrich my future.

I want to enjoy my life and encourage other older people to do the same.

Although my body is getting older and needs a tune-up from time to time, the inner-me is still young at heart.

Today is the time to take a good look at what you want your life to be. Make it the best time and remember: today we are the youngest we will ever be, so give it a go.

– Nancy.