I recently got a gift certificate for a massage for my birthday—one of the best presents ever!—and since I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had one, I rushed to set up an appointment. But as I lay down on the massage table, my mind was racing with the million things I was supposed to be doing. I also felt exposed in my body that hasn’t bounced back from my last pregnancy.
I glanced up at my massage therapist, whom I’ve known for about 10 years, and I couldn’t help but notice how her hair had turned a complete silvery gray since the last time I had been in (which she informed me was two years ago). We started to catch up, and she asked me about work, my kids, and how my life was going in general. I answered, and she must’ve heard my stress and apprehension in the tone of my voice. She looked at me and said, “I’m going to turn 60 very soon, and there are so many things I wish I had known when I was your age.”
She shared her advice with me—a mother 23 years her junior—and what she said really resonated with me. So much so, that I decided to ask other women around 60 years old for their advice. Here’s what they want us younger moms to know:
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