Editor’s Note
By Marie Elium
I was a Millennial for a week, minus the angst.
The takeaway? Living like a 20-something is a lot more fun than I remember actually being 20-something was. If it’s possible to be a 60-year-old Millennial, sign me up.
I recently spent a longer-visit-than-intended in Dallas with my 28-year-old daughter. Unencumbered by home chores, pet care, family responsibilities and the (pleasant) distractions of friends and a husband, I slipped into a pattern that felt vaguely familiar, with a 2021 twist.
My schedule was my own. I slept late, binged Netflix, mastered avocado toast, ordered champagne through Instacart and hung out at the dog park.
I eavesdropped on my daughter’s conference calls, borrowed her clothes, and rooted around in her kitchen cupboards, realizing that many of her appliances were nicer than mine. It was fun to step into that world, but I wouldn’t want to go back.
The 20s are the start of big changes and upheavals that continue for the next 20 years. That part I remember. Once was enough.
It’s easy to idealize our 20s, now that they’re firmly in our rearview mirror. It was a fun part of my life, but it also came with an undercurrent of uncertainty. I knew that a lot was going to happen, but my path was bracketed by fuzzy outlines that intimidated rather than inspired.
I like the confidence and hard-won experience that comes with having six decades behind me. The lessons I learned in my 20s will steer me and stead me through the years to come. I’m proudly owning my 60s; I just wish my joints didn’t ache when it rains.
Read All About It
In addition to introspection, I did a lot of walking when I was in Dallas, most of the time in nice weather. Our story on winter hiking has advice on exploring our wonderful trails, parks and neighborhoods, regardless of the snow and cold. We even include tips on avoiding falls, or at least not getting hurt if you take a tumble.
My sleep schedule was topsy turvy when I was in Texas. The air mattress might have been a factor, multiple TV streaming options another, although I’m a fitful sleeper in my own bed at home. If you’re dreaming of a good night’s sleep, read our story about natural ways to catch more Zzzs.
And finally, if you’re a fan of books set in Cleveland, you’ll enjoy our profiles of authors Les Roberts and Lisa Black. That story starts on.
I hope your 2021 is getting off to a good start. My goals are to hike longer, sleep better and read more. Modest goals, to be sure, but achievable.
That’s something I learned in my 20s.
Marie
