I just turned 50, and I must confess: It’s not at all what I expected.
I don’t know who perpetuated the expectation that we’d have it all figured out by now. Not only is that a lie, but it sets you up for feeling like a failure when you’ve arrived…but then again, you really haven’t.
“Is something wrong with me?” you may ask. Not at all.
It’s hard to discern the truth from the lies about what aging gracefully looks like.
What I’ve Discovered About Turning 50
Yes, it’s a time of transition.
Yes, things change.
No, your life isn’t over! In fact, in many ways, hitting this golden milestone is just beginning.
I love this quote from one of the birthday cards I received:
“Let the fire of 50 birthday candles ignite a fire in you for this next stage of life.”
As I reflect on my own journey to becoming a quinquagenarian, here are:
50 Reasons I’m Embracing Turning 50:
- Wisdom.
- Perspective.
- Empathy.
- Discernment.
- You feel more balanced.
- More empowered.
- More at peace.
- You have a greater appreciation of what really matters.
- You know yourself.
- You’re not afraid to have opinions.
- You understand that self-care is important.
- Naps!
- The only bath you have to prepare before bed is your own.
- Healthier coping strategies.
- You laugh more.
- (At yourself!)
- You embrace your imperfections.
- Your inner confidence shines.
- You know what works and what doesn’t.
- With kids in school, you have more time to relax.
- More time to be spontaneous.
- More time to try new things.
- More time to read.
- More time to garden.
- More time to walk.
- More time to stop and smell the roses.
- Your intuition is stronger.
- Your courage is fiercer.
- You handle situations better than your younger self would have.
- You step over the things you used to trip on.
- You’ve been there, done that, and feel freedom to politely say, “No, thank you.”
- Your advice is sound because it’s based on experience.
- You have that kind of campfire warmth we all want to hang around.
- It’s easier to forgive.
- You learn to love some people from a distance.
- You understand that you don’t always need to tell your side of the story. Time will.
- You’re better at asking for what you need.
- You have less to prove.
- You’re not afraid of the solitude that comes from raising your standards.
- You’re better at accepting compliments.
- You get that this is just a chapter, not your whole life story.
- If gray hair is a sign of wisdom, then you’re a genius.
- Going gray is trendy; yay!
- You can laugh, sneeze, cough, and pee all at the same time.
- It’s the only time you get to say you’re nifty fifty.
- Fifty and fabulous.
- Mid-century modern.
- You’re not old, you’re vintage.
- Cheers to 50 years.
- Life gets better at 50.
So mamas, if you’re edging closer to that once-dreaded golden milestone, I’m here to say don’t fear it. Embrace it.
Like the beloved Betty White says, “You’re never too old for anything!”
It only gets better from here!
