Celebrating 61: Reflections on Adventure, Wellness, and Living Fully
Wow—61 years! It’s amazing how time moves forward, yet I still feel the same adventurous, curious, and determined spirit I’ve always been. Life has been filled with so many experiences—each a story within itself. Some are exciting, some are challenging, but all have shaped who I am today. And the beautiful thing? I’m still creating new memories.
Another Summit, Another Reminder
This past Saturday, March 15th, my husband and I hiked Syphon Draw Trail to Flatiron in the Superstition Wilderness—again! This was our third time summiting this demanding hike and our second time this year. And what a perfect way to celebrate another year of life.
We didn’t veer off the main path (huge win for time-sake!).
We made great time—not bad for a couple in their 60s!
And the biggest surprise? Canyon waterfalls! 🌊
After months of no rain, the Friday showers transformed the canyon into something magical. Water flowed down the mountainsides, creating small cascading falls in the most unexpected places. I’ve never seen it like that before—it was breathtaking.
Then, in a full-circle moment, we ran into a young man from Idaho—someone we had met back in November 2024 while hiking the Natural Bridge. At the time, we had suggested he try Flatiron. And what do you know? Just as we were getting ready to descend, there he was at the summit! He recognized us instantly, and we chatted, snapped some photos, and shared our next hiking recommendation—Butcher Jones Trailhead on Saguaro Lake. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see him there next!
The only thing that left me a little disappointed? I discovered today that I’m missing about an hour’s worth of footage from our hike. I had hoped to capture more of the incredible waterfalls and mountain views, but somewhere along the way, that footage vanished. Luckily, I still have video from the remainder of the trail up and all the way down, so the memories aren’t completely lost. And in the end, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful moments are the ones you simply take in, without a camera in between.
Gratitude for Health and Movement
This hike was more than just another adventure—it was a reminder of how important it is to stay active, keep pushing forward, and embrace life with energy and enthusiasm. Health isn’t just about diet or exercise. It’s about mindset, faith, persistence, and gratitude.
There was a time when I thought 60+ was “slowing down” territory, but now I know that’s just a story society tells us. I feel stronger than ever, and I’m proving to myself that life is what I make of it. Every step I take—whether it’s on a rocky trail, in my kitchen creating a healthy meal, or in my creative work—is a step toward living fully.
Through the years, I’ve learned that thriving isn’t just about knowing what to do—it’s about actually doing it. It’s about managing stress, nourishing the body, keeping the mind sharp, and surrounding yourself with things and people that bring joy.
Of course, I’m human. I have my challenges. But I also have a mission—to inspire others to see that thriving beyond 60 is possible, joyful, and exciting. There’s still so much to explore, learn, and experience. I plan to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing.
🎉 Birthday Sale – 61% Off All Digital Products! 🎉
To celebrate my 61st birthday, I’m running a huge sale—61% off all digital products from now through the end of March! Use the code MARBDAY61 at checkout.
✨ Shop here: WIX STORE
Thank you for being part of my journey. Here’s to another year of thriving, growing, and proving that life truly gets better beyond 60! 💚🎂🥂
Disclaimer: This blog post contains personal reflections and experiences. The health and wellness insights shared are based on my journey and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making lifestyle or dietary changes.
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