I have been 50 for a week now; otherwise known as the half century mark and I’ve done a lot of reflecting on the past, present, and future. In some ways it seems absolutely ridiculous that I could be 50, and it other ways it’s a relief to actually be 50. I feel like I’ve crossed some sort of line or entered some different dimension being here at 50. I know some things I’d like to share with you. This is what I know for sure for me, what you know for sure for you may be completely different…as it should be.
Sometimes you’ll get lost in thinking that other people know you better than you know yourself…they don’t
The more you surround yourself with loving, kind people…the more loving and kind you will become yourself
Never, ever discount your intuition
You don’t have to or need to ‘improve’ who you are, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor to be the best version of yourself that you can be
No one has it all figured out; those people who look like they have it all together…they’re getting by one day at a time just like you
Sleep is pretty wonderful
You need to laugh as much as possible
Genetics can be a blessing and a pain in the ass
Kind and nice are not the same thing
You can say “no”…you can also say “yes”
You can heal from childhood scars
Most of us are doing the best we can with what we know at this moment
You will always regret compromising on your values both personally and professionally
Family is everything
I don’t have to prove I’m right to anyone (and neither do you)
You always have a choice…you don’t have to like any of the choices available, but you always have one
Not to be stingy with love, kindness, or forgiveness. When you hold back on these things because you are afraid of getting hurt, you hurt the very people you love the most
You will hurt the people you love the most; the people you love the most will hurt you. Hopefully there is enough love to get past the hurt
Having friends who really ‘get’ you is one of the greatest gifts you will ever have in your life
Resiliency and flexibility will serve you well in life
Even though my children are adults, I will still go all Honey Badger Momma on your ass if you mess with them
I’m the same person I was at 13, 21, 40, and today; and yet completely different…thank God
Talk is not cheap; words can be used to wound or heal
Learn to listen and listen to learn
There is no balance, but there is an equilibrium
To quote a song “life is a dance you learn as you go”. Some people are more adept at the rhythm than others
You need to say you’re sorry when you’ve screwed up, but not for taking up space on this earth. We women do that far, far too much.
Patterns will tend to repeat themselves until the lesson is learned
Helping someone with no expectations of anything in return does a soul good
Holding your grandchild is pretty much the most incredible feeling ever (except seeing that child come into the world…there are no words to describe that)
Drama is toxic and never ends well for anyone
Sometimes situations suck and you don’t have to try to reframe it or think positively; you’re allowed to feel what you feel
There is no timeline on grief and anger
I have spent too much time ‘getting ready’ and not enough time doing epic shit
Counting to 10 before you speak in the heat of the moment is probably one of the wisest things you can ever do
I want people in my life to be happy, but it’s not my (or yours) responsibility to make them happy.
Energy management is one of the most important life skills you will ever learn
I’d rather have experiences and interesting people in my life than things
Wear whatever the hell you want if it makes you feel good
Passion is wonderful, but nothing beats deep abiding love
You’ll never recapture the most fun and happy times in your life in quite the same way when you try to repeat them
You’re not ‘too busy’, you just think you are
Having a sense of humor is pretty damn important in life
It’s totally ok to want what you want
There’s a world of difference between getting older and living longer
When someone offers to help you, take them up on it (related: asking for help doesn’t make you weak)
Not to skimp on toilet paper, aluminum foil, paper towels, or garbage bags; spend the extra damn dollar, it’s worth it
The older you become the more clarity you get on what you will and will not tolerate in life; some people call this being a bitch
Things will take longer than you think they will, but man does the time go by fast
Be curious; Life is damn interesting that way
This too shall pass
I expect that I shall learn a great deal more by the time 60 rolls around…stay tuned.
Yes, there is a certain I can deal with anything and what people think of me is not that important anymore quality to being 50+. I love being in my 50s. Thanks for letting everyone know how great it really is.
Hi Susan!
Oh yes, it feels like getting rid of a weight you didn’t even know you were carrying around!
So far 50 has been treating me well 😉
Thanks for stopping by!
xo
Danielle