Most of my birthday memories are hazy but not turning 30.
It was a turning point in my life – quitting a vice president job at a banking corporation to join an upstart PR agency, ending a decade-long relationship, moving to a new city. A week of parties hosted by co-workers, water polo teammates and friends to send me off in style. I loved the first three decades of my life and was ready for what came next.
Now I’m marking another three decades down.
I’m happy to report no major life changes are in the works, just full speed ahead on a life worth living. A soulmate wife who makes me laugh every day, daughters who are finding their own paths forward, an amazing team of professional colleagues engaged with me in meaningful work, the unconditional love of Ruby and Jackson (dogs, not children) and a plethora of deep and diverse friendships.
That is not to say the journey from 30 to 60 was smooth and uneventful. Anyone who knows me understands some of the challenges I faced (many of which I created myself, which I acknowledge and own). But through it all, I have loved my life and appreciate the opportunities that opened for me through hard work, good timing, luck, willingness to take risks and the unwavering support from mentors, advocates and people who believed in me. To those individuals, I say Thank You.
That includes friendships that have fallen by the wayside, and friends who left this world far too soon, felled by illness, accidents or inner demons. Reflecting on who and what has been lost in my life is a reminder to find joy in things big and small, control what I can control and accept that life is strange and changeful.
None of us truly know what is next, be that tomorrow, 10 years or 30 years from now but I’m confident my glass is two thirds full. I hope I have another 3 decades left in me to fill it completely. I’m in good health (although disappointed I finally had to start taking medication at 59 for blood pressure and cholesterol), stay active (I don’t swim as fast as in my teens, but my golf game is significantly better) and bullishly optimistic. I’ve basked in the sights and cultures of 31 different countries and have a bucket list for 31 more. I know my strengths and flaws. I know what makes me happy and fulfilled. I have hopes and plans for the future, and I look forward to seeing how they unfold and adapt to inevitable twists and turns.
And for this week, I celebrate with colleagues, friends and family (including my parents, who are still going strong!). I raise a toast to everyone who has enriched my life, and I smile with the memories of so many conversations, adventures, struggles and experiences that shaped this 60-year-old soul.
By Monty Hagler, Founder & CEO, RLF Communications
