As a woman, turning 50 is a very big deal for me. I am not sure if that is true for men as much as it is for women, because my husband didn't seem to care too much about turning 50. For me, this day is a time to look back at what I have done in my life, and to think about what the next 50 years are going to be like.
I would like to live them well, not to waste any minute, and enjoy what I like best.
We all know about the gag gifts for 50 year olds, and I have gotten my share this year. Truthfully, though, I feel that when I think about where I am at 50, I have just gotten to the top of my hill.
This year, if I tally up where I am, I can say that I am a mother of two wonderful girls that are on the cusp of adulthood. They are happy, well adjusted, and growing.
I am a business owner in a challenging, exciting business, in a field that I love, which is much different than I was 15 years ago. I am an artist, creating new art daily to sell to people who love art. I am very happy at my job.
I am an independent author, who makes money writing about what I want, and selling products related to what I write. I am thriving in an uncertain world, and hopefully spreading that money outward into the local and global community.
And in most aspects of my life, I am relaxed and happy.
Being relaxed and happy with my life is something that I didn't even know that I wanted 10 or 20 years ago. While I strive to better myself, and grow my business, I am happy with what I am doing right now. I don't feel like I am not good enough, or what I am doing is not important enough. I like who I am, where I am, and who I am with.
That says a lot about my lifetime, and what I will do going forward.
Does that mean that I am perfect and have nothing to change?
If I had to list anything that I would like to change about myself at 50, there would only be one thing to change. I would like to improve my physical health, and that is mainly losing weight, and getting into better physical shape so that my quality of life will be better during the next 50 years.
It is tough to lose weight for a 50 year old woman, but not impossible. It is also tough to lose weight and maintain weight loss in a climate like Cleveland, where we spend half of our year indoors. However, I have achieved tough goals before, and I can achieve this one. In the meantime, will go on enjoying the life that I have built over the first 50 years.
If the pain you are feeling is coming to a point where it is almost unbearabl...
The Dreaded BunionIf you’ve ever suffered the pain of a bunion you’ll know why I called this “T...
Luxury Retirement Communities in Massachusetts along the North...Enjoy breathtaking Autumn landscapes, easy treks to Boston, Worcester or Prov...
Best Father-to-be Bookson 06/04/2013
Gothic Garden - Black Flowerson 05/20/2011
Leatherwork: The Art of Working with Leatheron 03/14/2013
Contemporary Desk Lamps for Home or Officeon 08/29/2012
Comments
Sorry I missed your birthday. My birthdays have never bothered me. I decided I wasn't going to let them when I was 13 years old. I remember my mother fretting over her age all of my life. At 13 I made a vow that I wouldn't do that and I haven't. Happy Birthday!
Happy belated birthday! Keep living with joy in your heart and passion in your soul and you'll never feel old.
Happy Birthday, I like your attitude, much happiness and success attaining your goals. I know you will do it. Funny what you said about leaving in Cleveland, I'm close to you as you know, I understand your point, it is so true. I have an bike on the left hand side of my bed, where most people might have a chair. If I'm watching tv in my room I'm riding my bike. It helps a lot plus those stability balls are great as well. It is important to stay in shape as we age. Anyway Happy Birthday to YOU!
Thanks to all of you. I think it has taken to 50 for me to find the best me. :)
You are very fortunate Paula to be relaxed and happy at 50. I'm with you on the wanting better health and struggling at this age (older actually) to lose weight.
You are inspirational to many and a wonderful person to know.
Happy 50th!!
The 50's are good. Congratulations at getting to the top of the hill. Life just gets better.
Happy 50th - have a cupcake on me :) My sister turned 50 last year and I think she struggled with it at first. It's just the idea that so much time has passed. But hopefully the best is yet to come - cheers!
You're adorable, Paula. :) Do. Not. Change.