70AF

my birthday musings

Yeah…it’s a kinda big day. I turned 70.

And I’ve never felt more badass.

What does that mean besides mandatory Social Security and a nice round number?

The truth is, I now have seven amazing superpowers I didn’t have at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60.

In fact, 60 was a totally sucky birthday. I was still trying to please everyone, still second-guessing myself, still trapped in other people’s expectations, and being oddly drawn to narcissists and posers.

But I’ll spare you the rest of the drama.

So, what are those magic seven superpowers?

1. Confidence and self-esteem. I finally have the guts to say “f*ck no” to anything or anyone that drains me and “hell yes” to what lights me up.

2. Wisdom. Turns out, seven decades of trial and error actually teaches you something.

3. Calm & freedom. My kids are grown, my parents are gone, and my calendar is finally MY calendar. My focus now? Self-care, my passions, my work with RESPECTFUL and VISIONARY clients only, and leaving a legacy worth remembering.

4. Health. I’m honestly in the best shape of my life. (Yes, really. At 70. I’m down to my high school weight, but without the burdens of teenage angst and eating disorders.)

5. Perspective. The bullshit that used to keep me up at night? I can’t even remember what it was.

6. AI and gadgets that make life easier and my work faster. That means more time to play.

7. Motherhood and grandmotherhood. I raised two badass humans who are changing the world. I’m taking credit for that.

What hasn’t changed?

I’ve done a fair amount of ruminating about my true passions and what has always brought me joy:

1. Food

2. Fashion

3. Focus

4. Gadgets

5. Adventures

6. Reading, writing, live music, movies, handicrafts & cooking

7. Community, volunteering & connecting people

When I’m feeling blue, I pick something from the list and indulge the hell out of it.

What’s next?

Here’s where it gets really good:

I’m publishing my memoir. Watch for the big reveal on February 17th, as a tribute to my late parents, who always believed in my writing and creative talents.

And while I’m at it, I’m also:

1. Launching an all-woman AI-powered marketing consultancy (the bAIbs) later this week.

2. Rebranding this Substack series to focus primarily on the human side of tech (aka Bodies & Bots). I teach myself new AI skills every day.

3. Continuing to write for work and for fun, and organizing professional thought-leadership gatherings.

4. Volunteering with an education nonprofit (www.ypie.org), and running my own professional women’s group. I belong to Experience Scottsdale and just rejoined the Arizona Technology Council.

5. Planning some adventures and travel, including family visits and a long-overdue exotic journey.

6. Updating my list of “100 Things That Make Me Happy.” Science shows that positive thoughts lead to healthier brains. I’m living proof.

Seventy isn't the finish line.

It's where the most unfiltered chapter begins!

Photo credit (adult me): Franklin Studios. See, I told you I have always loved fashion!