Last week, I started a series of posts called, “Why I love being in my Third Third.” I look forward to sharing why my Third Third is my Best Third and hearing from you about what you are enjoying in your Third Third!

The first reason was… I can slow down.

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Reason # 2 – I Need Less

I don’t think I have ever been overly needy, but the older I get, the more I realize that I need less.  Less food, less outside encouragement, less socializing, fewer clothes, fewer reasons.

Less Food

It’s amazing how much my metabolism has slowed.  I can maintain good energy on much less food than I used to. I figured that out when I was 40 and noticed that I had started putting on about 3 pounds every years.  Doing quick math, 3 x 10 would result in 30 excess pounds by the time I was 50. I could envision a trend that I didn’t want to maintain, so I started paying attention to my weight in a responsible way that has kept me healthy.  So far, I am not on any prescription meds and I have been able to control my weight. Less food is a key.

Less Outside Encouragement

I do enjoy affirmation and appreciation. I like to hear I have done a good job and that my contributions have value. But I know what I am good at and I’m satisfied when I am confident that my efforts were a boost, whether acknowledged by others or not.

Less Socializing

While I very much enjoy sincere conversation and genuine relationships, I find that in my ThirdThird, I am satisfied with a few quality interactions as opposed to being included and seen at events.  We had friends over recently for a taco bar where we sat around the kitchen island mid-day, informally sharing lives and relaxing together.  It was lovely. There is less need for a myriad of connections.

Fewer Clothes

I loved my stint as an Executive when I got to wear jackets and pencil skirts or slacks every day. Having a wardrobe with flexibility of business and/or business casual and/or leisure was fun. But, I don’t miss it.  I like having space in my closet and favorite clothes that I can rotate regularly without worrying about someone noticing how recently I wore that top or those pants.

Fewer Reasons

“Because I want to…” never seemed to fly until I hit age 60. When I arrived at that birthday, I decided that I trusted myself to know what I want and what I value and what is good for me. I don’t have to rationalize or come up with reasons like I might have when I was younger and had more people depending on me.

I love being in my ThirdThird!  I need less and that simplifies my life.
Are you in your ThirdThird? What do you love about it?