The Best Years Are Still Ahead of Me 🥂

A Champagne Girlie® Weekend Reflection

This weekend, somewhere between everyday life, checking things off my list, thinking about everything I still want to accomplish, and beginning to pack for Alaska, I caught myself thinking:

I’m not where I want to be yet—but I have come so far from where I was.

And maybe that little word yet is the most important part of that sentence.

There was a time when so much of my energy went into maintaining the life I already had. Today, I’m putting that energy into creating the life I want next.

I’m stronger. I’m getting better at setting boundaries—and actually adhering to them. I’m learning to protect my peace without feeling like I have to explain every decision I make.

I’m also learning things I never imagined I'd be learning at this stage of my life.

AI. Computers. Websites. Social media. Amazon. Pinterest. Building Champagne Girlie®.

Some days I feel like I know exactly what I'm doing.

Other days? I click something and think, Well, where the heck did THAT go? 😂

But I keep figuring it out.

And I'm proud of that.

Weekend Champagne Moments 🥂

I've been thinking a lot lately about my Champagne Moments—those ordinary little moments that don't necessarily look extraordinary from the outside but make a life feel full.

This weekend wasn't about one enormous, life-changing event.

It was about getting things accomplished. Taking care of myself. Working on Champagne Girlie®. Learning something new. Thinking about the future. Getting excited about my trip. And realizing that I genuinely like the life I'm creating.

There was also plenty of cruise preparation because...

ALASKA IS ALMOST HERE! ❄️🚢

On September 20, I'll board Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam for seven amazing days in Alaska with my girlfriends.

Even writing that makes me smile.

There will be glaciers, mountains, cold mornings, beautiful views, laughter, adventures and probably far too many photographs.

And I'm ready for all of it.

Operation: Pack This Suitcase 🧳

This week, the suitcase is officially coming out.

Packing for Alaska is a little different from packing for a warm-weather cruise. Apparently, cute sundress and sandals isn't going to cut it when I'm standing outside looking at a glacier. 😂

So I'm thinking layers, comfort and sporty—but still Champagne Girlie® fabulous.

My teal waterproof jacket is ready. I'm adding sweaters and fleece layers, comfortable pants and leggings, waterproof shoes, warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf, sunglasses and a crossbody bag for excursions.

Then there are the ship outfits because I'm still ME.

I'll have comfortable clothes for exploring during the day and a few pretty outfits and jewelry for evenings aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.

And, naturally, the Champagne Girlie® travel mug is coming with me.

Some things are simply non-negotiable. 🥂

But This Trip Feels Like More Than a Vacation

That's what I've realized while packing.

Every sweater I fold and every item I cross off the list represents something bigger.

I'm going.

I'm experiencing.

I'm saying yes.

I'm making plans for myself and looking forward instead of backward.

There is something incredibly powerful about reaching a point in life when you realize you don't need to know exactly what the next ten years will look like.

You just need to be willing to live them.

Growth Doesn't Have an Expiration Date

One thing I want Champagne Girlie® to stand for is something I believe with my whole heart:

You are never too old, too inexperienced, too late, or too ordinary to learn something new or change the direction of your life.

And you certainly don't have to be wealthy to start creating a life that feels good.

Growth isn't reserved for twenty-somethings.

Dreams don't have income requirements.

Technology isn't only for people who grew up with it.

Adventure doesn't have an age limit.

And happiness doesn't require anyone else's permission.

You can start exactly where you are, with exactly what you have.

Learn one thing.

Make one change.

Set one boundary.

Take one trip.

Write one page.

Start one business.

Make one new friend.

Or simply make one decision that says:

I'm choosing me today.

I'm Still Becoming

I'm 68, and I don't feel like my story is winding down.

Quite the opposite.

I'm curious about what's next.

I want to become better at AI. I want to improve my computer skills. I want to continue building Champagne Girlie®. I want to travel. I want to create. I want to laugh with my girlfriends. I want to make memories with the people I love.

And I want to keep discovering who I am when I'm living life according to my own rules.

Am I exactly where I want to be?

No.

Not yet.

But today, instead of criticizing the distance I still have to travel, I'm celebrating the incredible distance I've already covered.

Maybe you need to do that too.

Turn around for a moment.

Look at what you've survived.

Look at what you've learned.

Look at the things you once thought you couldn't do that are simply part of your life now.

Give yourself some credit.

Then turn back around and keep going.

Because I truly believe this:

The best years of my life are still ahead of me.

And maybe the best years of yours are too.

You don't have to have everything figured out.

You don't have to have unlimited money.

And you certainly don't have to be a certain age.

You just have to be willing to begin.

Why Not Now? 🥂

With love,
Ginny
Champagne Girlie®

Life didn't end… it finally got fabulous. 🥂

This week's Champagne Girlie® question: What is one thing you're proud of yourself for today that you wouldn't—or couldn't—have done a few years ago?