An impending hurricane swirling towards Florida throws a friend and me into a whirlwind of worry. Her children and granddaughter, new residents of the Sunshine State, face the unknown with limited support. It’s a scene that stirs an old memory, a timely reminder of the strength and spirit we discover when confronted by the unfamiliar.

If you’ve ever been in the midst of a hurricane (in this case I mean this literally!) then you will understand that it is a time when untold stories come out. Thankfully, I was not in harm’s way, but a friend’s loved ones were.

She and I were in deep conversation about a massive hurricane headed toward Florida. Her children and baby granddaughter had just moved to Florida and the opinions of ‘what they should do’ were coming from all directions. Her “baby” and her baby granddaughter were in a new area, with little support, facing the unknown. Let’s be honest, it was a scary prospect.

Their ages and the tales of this new, unsettling experience brought back an old memory that I shared with my girlfriend.  The memory I shared with her was a poignant reminder that we find our strength and feed our spirit when we face the unknown.

My girlfriend said, “You have to write a story about your experience.” And that is what I am doing.

How to Have a Rose-Colored Glasses Attitude

My Story as a Young New Mother

At the very young age of 21, with a new baby girl, six weeks old, I moved to Georgia.

When I moved to the military base, Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, I did so without my second Lieutenant husband, who had orders to precede me by two weeks. I knew no one and I had never been on a military base. I had never flown alone with an infant.

My mother said, “You can’t take care of your goldfish, how are you going to fly across America with a newborn to a military base in Georgia!”

How would you have reacted to my circumstances at the age of 21?

Would you have made the move with feistiness, moxie, and bravery?  

And then ask yourself, at this very moment in time, if you are stretching yourself at your present age, past 50?  Would you move to a new community, start a new business, travel to Rwanda in Africa to visit the silverbacks (read about my experience here!)?

How to Have a Bloomer’s Attitude After 50+

My Strength And Spirit

I told my friend, recounting the experience, “I never doubted myself. Sure, I was afraid of the unknown. But, I had no fear of failure.”

And then I explained why…

The town I grew up in, Kankakee by the Sea, was my most important teacher on the subject of survival. The town, thank God, taught me to adapt as a young girl to every situation that requires true grit, an ability to stretch myself without breaking, a positive attitude that I will succeed. After all, I believe that grace and grit are important traits for empowered women.

I faced situations that exceeded reasonableness for a young girl, but I left the town with a feeling of positive power and an earthiness in my soul, that small town girls have.

That small town way of thinking, to this day, keeps me grounded, kind, and open to meeting people from all walks of life. Thank you, Kankakee by the Sea.

This was who I was as the young woman who flew to an unknown military base in the South. I may not have had the prowess to know how to clean my fish bowl, but I knew how to survive, and thrive. What I knew was that I would participate and enjoy my new surroundings — even with cockroaches — which I outlived (I killed them with spray starch)!

How I Survive — and Thrive — Even Today

As we age we have a choice. We can stay in the race and continue to dream big dreams. I intend to do just that.

I am still that young girl walking alone with my baby into those gates at Fort Benning looking only forward to the unknown. How many of you feel that same way? Many of you, I’m sure, can relate.

I know I am older but so what? My gray hair does not bother me not nor do my lines. I lead a beautiful life.

Every day is, in fact, unknown. And that is where you bloom. Strength and spirit flourish amongst new experiences. Open up your arms, at every age, and welcome the adventure with a grin and a wink. I know I will.

How to Find the Silver Lining and Bloom Where You’re Planted

Life, like a hurricane, throws unexpected things our way. But we can cultivate a sense of optimism to find the joy in the unexpected. It’s not about ignoring challenges; it’s about choosing to focus on the possibilities, the chance to grow and explore.

This youthful spirit, this ability to see the bright side, is a quality that transcends age. Even when faced with difficulties, there’s always a chance to find the silver lining.

Are you looking through rose-colored glasses at your current situation? Perhaps there’s a hidden opportunity waiting to be discovered. Maybe a local class you’ve been meaning to try, a volunteer opportunity that piques your interest, or a hidden gem in your own city waiting to be explored. Embrace the unknown, big or small, and keep your spirit youthful and optimistic.

Life, at any age, is a journey filled with unexpected turns. But by choosing to see the world through a lens of possibility, just like we did in our youth, we can find the strength and courage to navigate any storm, be it a literal hurricane or the everyday challenges life throws our way.

I am smiling.