I’ve tried to avoid this for a few days now.

I’ve tried to birthday wish it away.

I’ve pretended I’ve forgotten — twice.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

But there’s been plenty of fuss being made about turning the Big Six Oh and I promised to share a few thoughts.

Problem is I’ve got more than a few thoughts and more than a few fears — and maybe I should keep them to myself.

Because somehow I’m now a senior citizen and it feels like I’m wading into choppy waters.

Interviewing police. Credit: 7NEWS

On the desk for 7NEWS Sydney. Credit: 7NEWS

How did this happen and more importantly how did this happen so soon?

It doesn’t sound right and it certainly doesn’t sit right.

Are we now talking about a Seniors Card and those discounted rail fares?

I feel like it was only yesterday I was teasing my father about his super cheap train trips to the Blue Mountains and back.

But it can’t be because Dad’s not here anymore, and if I’m honest, I’m looking a little more like the older version of the Old Man with each passing year.

Turning 50 wasn’t like this.

60 seems a much bigger number and it comes with much bigger questions.

No one asks if you’re thinking about retirement at 50.

Lots of people are asking me now. I’m asking myself. What now? What next? What if I do? What if I don’t?

Covering a peace summit in Egypt in the mid 1990s. Credit: 7NEWS

If there’s a silver-haired lining in this stormy senior cloud — it has been the reaction of family, friends and viewers.

Reassuringly during the days I’ve been dodging this assignment — I’ve also been wrapped in a big birthday embrace.

My wife and my boys made a wonderful fuss and my workmates have gone above and beyond.

I loved my beautiful birthday dinner with my beautiful Mum.

And some very kind viewers have sent through the nicest messages of solidarity and support, where it has felt in a strange way, that we have been in this together — each of us getting a little older and wiser along the way.

So, it has been a real celebration, and that has been cleansing — even illuminating.

Big birthdays are big milestones and milestones make you think.

I love sitting where I sit and doing what I do. I have been very lucky. But I know I can’t sit there forever.

When the time comes that you start thinking about the time that’s left, time itself needs to be handled with care.

I’ve always wanted to climb a few mountains, swim in distant seas and relax in plenty of pubs a long way from home.

No email, no deadline, no worries.

In Turkey in 1995. Credit: 7NEWS

So when does that journey begin?

Big steps take big handfuls of courage but it’s very comforting to know that so many others have stood at the same crossroad.

I hope it won’t be my age that determines my direction, but my attitude.

I’m sort of fit and I’m very fortunate.

My boys are now young men mostly making their own way these days.

I’ve built a life and a family.

What should I build next?

I don’t have a definite answer — not yet.

The best advice I’ve read so far... “let go of who you thought you were supposed to be and choose deliberately who you want to be next.”

So if I’m brave — some day soonish — it could be a brand new beginning.