When I was younger, I used to think forty was old and fifty was ancient. As I turned 56 this month, I now have a different perspective. I see growing old as a blessing, a gift to be treasured. Like the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken teacups with gold, I seek to fill the cracks in my life with love, joy, and kindness.

The lesson I learned from a young age, was that broken things can still be beautiful. If you really love something, or someone, you’ll find a way to repair it; whether “it” is a relationship, or a teacup. I can still see my grandmother’s frail, yet sturdy hands gluing together one of her favorite broken teacups with gold glue. Once it dried, that teacup had a distinctly different look than the others. Much like my grandma, it was frail, yet sturdy and glistening with love from that gold glue. I’ll never forget that teacup, or that lesson, which I try to apply in my daily life.

I’ve realized lingering over yesterday’s mistakes won’t change them. Each day offers a fresh start and new possibilities. Time waits for no one. We must make the most of every moment. My goal is to choose wisely. Continually, I ask, “How and with whom do I want to spend my days with?” I’ve learned to say no without apologizing or making excuses.

As an empty nester, I’m realizing self-care isn’t selfish. It’s self-love. I’m embracing it. I appreciate quality time alone, with family and close friends. Life’s milestone celebrations have become less about gift giving and more focused on cherishing every moment together with loved ones. My friends and I have begun a new tradition of celebrating each other by simply spending time together, trying a new activity, shopping, or going out to lunch. I say eat dessert first, buy the shoes and pamper yourself on your birthday! That’s exactly what I did with my dear friend, Cheri, in charming Delafield, Wisconsin.

Like fine wine and rare books, I believe we get better with age. Today, I am older, wiser, and bionic. Apparently, I wore out one of my hips sooner than expected, although that crack isn’t filled with gold, it’s titanium, it still sparkles from within, and allows me to keep living my best life.

My style is evolving. I’ve traded in my stilettos for stylish flats and instead of “tanning” I wear fashionable hats to protect myself from the sun. A few new lines are etched on my face with each passing year. As I look in the mirror, I’m reminded of the ups and downs of life. The laughter, the tears and worries that come with each day of a life well-lived.

Now that I’m another year older, I might have a few more cracks to fill in my teacup. Gold is becoming my new favorite color. I love how it glistens with love, as I choose to lead each day with joy and kindness. I hope to leave a little sparkle wherever I go, through the stories and recipes I share here; with the promise of leaving this world a better place.

Thank you for this beautiful gift of life and all of the meaningful connections I have made here. My story isn’t over yet, a new chapter is just beginning. Zabelicious Life is expanding. I successfully launched my first series of workshops on self love and there’s more to come. I’m delighted you have joined me on this journey. Let’s journal it together.

Discover Delafield, Wisconsin

• Take a stroll along the streets of this picturesque town off I-94 between Madison and Milwaukee and you might think you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie.

• Start with dessert at Belfre Kitchen, then check out the shops and more Delafield landmarks in my travel story, Wisconsin’s Winter Wonderland.