After 60, I Discovered the Courage to Dream

After being over 60, I thought my season of big dreams had quietly passed me by. I had lived a full life, raised two children, and owned a successful business. I carried my share of responsibilities, but somewhere along the way, I tucked my own dreams into the background. Then something shifted. I realized life wasn’t finished with me yet, and I wasn’t finished with it. Almost 70 years old, I transformed fear into freedom and embarked on a new chapter.

Being by myself, I learned what it truly meant to carry the full weight of my decision, every detail, with no one else to lean on. Some days, the fear controlled me and made it difficult to take the next step. My two children were present in my life, but I did not want them to decide my new chapter for me. The first step was to free myself, to finally have time to do what I truly loved and never had the chance to explore. I sold my business and avoided any relationship that could compromise my dreams.

I left the state where I had lived on and off since my children were small. Warm weather, friends, a spacious apartment, it had all been good, but I needed a new beginning. I moved to Chicago, and my son, who was also alone, came with me. I fell in love with Illinois; each season was distinct, with its own clear character. The buildings of Chicago and its cobblestone streets echoed the charm of the past. Walking by the lake, I loved seeing the wide water, the birds, and the boats. Those were peaceful moments.

Though happy with my new life, adjusting to the cold weather was difficult, and something still felt missing. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I knew my dreams weren’t complete. From time to time, dark thoughts would creep in, whispering that it was too late to dream at my age. Some mornings, my energy was drained, and I struggled to get out of bed. Yet, another side of me, td positive  

After two years, I decided to travel. I began researching where to go and finally chose France. My son accompanied me on this new adventure. We contacted a lawyer, gathered documents, and secured our resident visas. Things moved quickly, and soon we arrived in Paris, welcomed by beautiful weather and a perfect location near the Champs-Élysées. Paris was a living masterpiece, overflowing with history, art, and beauty. After finalizing our legal requirements, we moved to Toulon in the South. It was a charming port town, full of life and character. In the afternoons, we walked by the river, watching boats and birds while enjoying the many restaurants. Though noisy in the commercial center, it was vibrant and connected us easily to other places.

I was thrilled with my decision to move to France. I had dreamed of this country for years, and now I was here, living the life that once felt out of reach. Each day brought new discoveries—the language, the culture, the simple joys of fresh bread from the bakery or the sound of church bells ringing in the distance. I was reminded that it’s never too late to create a new story for ourselves. 

This journey has meant more to me than simply changing countries or discovering new places—it has been about reclaiming myself. It taught me that dreams are not bound by age, location, or circumstance, but by the courage we give them. Every step I took—selling my business, leaving my comfort zone, embracing uncertainty—was a declaration that my life still held possibility. My dream journey became a way of proving to myself that growth, joy, and discovery do not belong only to the young, but to anyone willing to keep moving forward with an open heart.

What I have learned is that courage does not mean living without fear; it means moving forward despite fear. My journey after 60 has shown me that dreams do not expire with age—they simply wait for us to claim them when the time is right. I am still writing the pages of my life, and my heart is full of gratitude for the chance to keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep becoming.

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