By Julie E 
photo credit (Pixels )
I know it’s hard to start over later in life, especially if things didn’t go as planned or you had an unexpected loss. It might seem like the end of the world.
I get it. I was a mess on the floor of my new flat after my marriage of more than 30 years ended.
It took me a while to get myself together again. Most days are still bad, but slowly I’m having more good days than bad ones. It didn’t happen right away, but I now know how to make it happen.
Beginning Again After 60? Make some new friends to begin.
It could take a long time for someone to come knock on your door and help you get back on your feet. The only person who can make your life better is you. And no, I love Netflix binge-watching, but that’s not the answer.
If you are in a new place, get out and get to know your surroundings. If there’s a coffee shop near you, go there often for a while. The servers will get to know you as you get to know them.
You can use the community board to find things to do near you. You could bring a book or the newspaper and “camp” there for a while. You will probably meet people from the area. Just making a few new friends is enough to make you feel at home in a new place.
Find an organization in your building or neighborhood. That’s a great way to meet new people. And that’s all you need to feel like you’re making progress.
Soon after I moved into my new apartment, I had a party with some old friends and some new friends from the neighborhood. It was a lot of fun. My old friends loved my new place, and my new neighbors learned about who I am and who I was. I also got some invites to events in my new neighborhood, so all in all, it was a success.
Always learn new things.
People of all ages need to keep learning, not just those who are starting over. I think that exercise and learning new things to keep your brain active are the two best ways to stay young.
Whether you take a yoga class, learn how to cook new foods, or start a new hobby, you will not only change old habits and ways of thinking, but you will also learn new things and maybe even meet new people. Instead of being stuck in old habits, you’ll feel like you’re moving forward.
Join a book club if you’re not already one. You will have to read a book that you wouldn’t normally choose to read. Learn how to cook. Find a Spanish class near you if you want to learn it. If you wish you had taken accounting classes in college, many schools let students take classes for less money or even for free.
If you learn new things, you will have less time to think about the past and feel bad about yourself.
Work Out
You can be sure that I would be the happiest girl in the world if I never had to work out again. But I do need to work out. I’m not a skinny girl who can eat whatever she wants without gaining weight. That means I have to make exercise a part of my life.
There is a chance that I won’t be able to stay healthy and active in the future without it, though. I do it anyway. Along the way, I’ve met some nice people. You should work out if you aren’t already. If you are, great! Keep it up.
You are taking care of yourself in a good way. Working out makes you feel better, keeps you upright, and boosts your happiness. Just put on your workout shoes and walk. You will feel better and learn more about the place you are in.