Personal Reflection: Sixty Years, Endless Possibilities
As I celebrate turning 60, I'm reflecting on what this milestone truly means – and science tells us it's actually one of life's happiest chapters. Research reveals that happiness increases after 60, as we naturally shift from achievement to connection, from accumulating to contributing. Professor Bruce Hood's groundbreaking work in The Science of Happiness shows us that genuine fulfilment comes not from self-focus, but from the beautiful act of connecting with others – and serving our communities. This understanding was beautifully reinforced for me thirty years ago when I was privileged to be part of Dr Robert Holden's pioneering Happiness Project in the UK, founded in 1994 through the NHS. That transformative experience taught me that happiness isn't something to find ‘out there’ – it's a quality of our true nature, and that mantra has been my guiding principle ever since. It's always been about intention and how beautiful life can be when one remains true to oneself.
This wisdom beautifully aligns with principles that have guided my life journey. As I've learned from Dr Christian Busch's Connect the Dots – The Art and Science of Good Luck, serendipity isn't random – it emerges when we stay open to unexpected connections and opportunities, especially those found in service to others. This understanding has always been there for me, but it somehow emerged as a focus while walking the Camino recently, together with an appreciation for the profound importance of family and the wonderful friendships I've formed both personally and professionally that are enablers for so many opportunities. At 60, I possess what feels like the perfect combination: accumulated wisdom, emotional clarity, and a natural inclination towards what researchers call ‘generativity’ – the deep satisfaction that comes from helping future generations flourish.
Speaking of helping others flourish, this personal reflection comes perfectly timed with Nelson Mandela Day (18 July) and its beautiful tradition of 67 minutes of service – one minute for each year Mandela devoted to lifting others. His Ubuntu philosophy reminds us that ‘I am because we are’, and I can't think of a more meaningful way to honour both this milestone birthday and Mandela's legacy than by supporting work that transforms young lives. The Pebbles Hemel-en-Aarde Education Project embodies this spirit perfectly, serving 134 children and 20 young adults in South Africa's wine farming communities with education, nutrition, healthcare, and hope. From providing school transport for children who once walked kilometres barefoot to creating the valley's first independent school when government funding failed, Pebbles transforms individual acts of generosity into lasting community change.
As I step into this remarkable new chapter, I'm considering how beautifully the next part of my journey could unfold. Perhaps my 67 minutes of Mandela Day service could become the beginning of something extraordinary – supporting children whose potential is limitless but whose opportunities have been limited. The science is clear: happiness comes from connection, luck comes from openness to serve, and legacy comes from lifting others. I can't think of a better way to celebrate turning 60 than by helping young minds soar.
I invite you to join me in making a meaningful donation to the Pebbles Hemel-en-Aarde Project via this link – where our generosity becomes their opportunity, and my milestone becomes their stepping stone.
With gratitude for your friendship and support,
Carolyn Martin