I love that notion of having survived 100 percent of your worst days. And I love your take on aging. It’s mostly gotten better for me too (I’m 48), and I’m looking forward to more of the privilege to continue aging and learning.
Whenever I want to complain about a new ache or pain, I remember that it is a privilege to be here. It definitely puts things in perspective. Thanks for reading, Holly :)
A wise man (my friend Dan) recited an interesting quote today (attributed to Otto Von Bismark, whoever he was) as we co-taught a college business class: Only a fool learns from his mistakes; a wise man learns from the mistakes of others." Interesting thought. And great piece this week Ilona, as always!
First, Dan is not a wise man. If he were, he'd be reading this newsletter. I like to make mistakes where others haven't been! Thanks for chiming in, Lazarus.
Happy birthday! I have a buddy who was also born on this day. I wished him Happy Birthmonth. We like to extend the fun and appreciation. Why just a day?
Ilona Goanos: Congratulations on your birthday, and thank you deeply for the wisdom you share from emotional distance from parents, for the insight to listen to your children and to nurture honest relations in mutual love.
My wife, Nancy, is aging beautifully into 77 (also my age), and she tells me, "I am thankful for the person I am." Those are the most heartwarming words in our 54-year romance, 52-year marriage.
I believe that you, like Nancy, take good care of yourself and exercise. Thank you for the good-looking picture, which is exactly the way I picture you from your prior narratives and questions.
Among our loved ones, I have been blessed by several aunts in their 80s that are simply beautiful (NOT merely "good looking for their age").
To those with open eyes, there is hope and beauty and joyful life in advancing age.
Well, look at you...!! (Gorgeous! 💐) Happy birthday to both of us, Ilona.. I turned 72 on Monday. 😳 Your words here resonate, and your story is inspiring. I regained my creative self in my 50's by going through a gauntlet of betrayal and painful recognition that my life was not what I'd thought. (hence the memoir-in-progress now.) I never expected I would end up as alone as I am, and I envy you your big family. But this solo life is the one I've created, and it's a good one. I am very grateful
I love that you've created a newsletter that encapsulates your wonderment and awe. It sounds like you have a fulfilling life. I wish you the best year ahead.
Happy birthday! I love your spirit, and I share many of your thoughts about aging. I too feel blessed to be here and appreciate my health. Rick mentioned the other day that I have a big birthday to celebrate this year in November (70), asking what I wanted to do to celebrate. I of course said, I want to be with my new grandchild, which he'd already guessed, but I was appreciative of his planning ahead. Hope you enjoy your 63rd year in good health enjoying all your loved ones.
Happy Birthday my dear friend! Your best is yet to come.
You better believe, lady! Can't wait to see what's ahead.
"You will get old, you will get sick, and you will die."
Oh, did we forget to tell the kids? Lol.
Ilona, you are such a sexy powerful Aries woman!
LOL! Thanks, Corie. Takes one to know one!
This made me smile. I could keep passing this compliment back and forth like a game of empowered Aries catch... but I'll just take the ball. Love you!
Happy birthday, fellow Aries! You look fabulous. You are wise and brave. I really enjoy all you have to say.
Love this Ilona. You have such a clear and honest voice. And you have a way of bringing me back to true north.
I'm glad you are back on track :) Many thanks for reading, Tom!
Loved every word.
Thank you, Maria! Glad we are connected on this platform now.
Happy birthday, beautiful one!! You continue to inspire and bring joy to the world, which heaven knows we need more.
Enjoy being celebrated for all of who you are.
Thank you, Paulette! It's been a good birthday:)
I love that notion of having survived 100 percent of your worst days. And I love your take on aging. It’s mostly gotten better for me too (I’m 48), and I’m looking forward to more of the privilege to continue aging and learning.
Great piece, Ilona!
Whenever I want to complain about a new ache or pain, I remember that it is a privilege to be here. It definitely puts things in perspective. Thanks for reading, Holly :)
A wise man (my friend Dan) recited an interesting quote today (attributed to Otto Von Bismark, whoever he was) as we co-taught a college business class: Only a fool learns from his mistakes; a wise man learns from the mistakes of others." Interesting thought. And great piece this week Ilona, as always!
First, Dan is not a wise man. If he were, he'd be reading this newsletter. I like to make mistakes where others haven't been! Thanks for chiming in, Lazarus.
Happy Birthday! Love this!
Thanks Cherie! Nice to hear from you 🩵
62 is young! You're not even retirement age yet, you whippersnapper!😆
Thanks, gramps 😂
Warmest Birthday wishes!! Have a beautiful year of celebrating all year long!
Thanks, guys! I appreciate your sweet wishes.
100% agree with #3. Last year was my "golden birthday" 62 born in '62. You look fabulous, young lady. HBD! 🎂💞
Thank you so much, Lolo. Always nice to hear from you.
Happy birthday! I have a buddy who was also born on this day. I wished him Happy Birthmonth. We like to extend the fun and appreciation. Why just a day?
Why just a month? 🤣 Thanks, Bill, for the good wishes.
Ilona Goanos: Congratulations on your birthday, and thank you deeply for the wisdom you share from emotional distance from parents, for the insight to listen to your children and to nurture honest relations in mutual love.
My wife, Nancy, is aging beautifully into 77 (also my age), and she tells me, "I am thankful for the person I am." Those are the most heartwarming words in our 54-year romance, 52-year marriage.
I believe that you, like Nancy, take good care of yourself and exercise. Thank you for the good-looking picture, which is exactly the way I picture you from your prior narratives and questions.
Among our loved ones, I have been blessed by several aunts in their 80s that are simply beautiful (NOT merely "good looking for their age").
To those with open eyes, there is hope and beauty and joyful life in advancing age.
Well, look at you...!! (Gorgeous! 💐) Happy birthday to both of us, Ilona.. I turned 72 on Monday. 😳 Your words here resonate, and your story is inspiring. I regained my creative self in my 50's by going through a gauntlet of betrayal and painful recognition that my life was not what I'd thought. (hence the memoir-in-progress now.) I never expected I would end up as alone as I am, and I envy you your big family. But this solo life is the one I've created, and it's a good one. I am very grateful
I love that you've created a newsletter that encapsulates your wonderment and awe. It sounds like you have a fulfilling life. I wish you the best year ahead.
Happy birthday! I love your spirit, and I share many of your thoughts about aging. I too feel blessed to be here and appreciate my health. Rick mentioned the other day that I have a big birthday to celebrate this year in November (70), asking what I wanted to do to celebrate. I of course said, I want to be with my new grandchild, which he'd already guessed, but I was appreciative of his planning ahead. Hope you enjoy your 63rd year in good health enjoying all your loved ones.
I'm so glad you will have a grandchild to enrich your life. Highly recommend grandchildren because they bring so much joy. Thanks for the good wishes.