In 50 days I’ll be dipping my toes into the big 5-0. It seems like just yesterday when friends cheered, “Life begins at 40.” How true that was. What a journey the last ten years have been.
I have been reflecting on the past and doing some looking ahead too. My 40s were a time of huge changes! Some stand out from the rest. A handful of experiences rocked my world; some quietly shaped me (for better or worse) into the nearly-50-year-old I am today.
I ditched my starter pack and got an upgrade. I moved from a comfortable job as an academic focusing only on my career to executive management as FabAcademic focusing on replicating the fabulosity. I ran through the tough journeys of life as a single mom with my two boys – now they are graduates and men I’d want to marry if I were single.
I learned so much from my family and friends. There were tangible things, like my friend Nana teaching me that the world will not end if the person I am waiting for is 5min late for an appointment.
And there were the other lessons, the ones that taught me life isn’t always black and white. In fact, now I think it’s RARELY black and white.
I learned to “pick my battles,” like my Jewish mother always said, but I also learned that sometimes there is really no battle at all. That I should just let it go. And now, sometimes I actually can “let it go.” But not always. Maybe that’ll happen in the next decade.
It was a decade of fun with my wise sister who still manages to keep my secrets safe and loves me despite all my shortcomings.
It was learning to be comfortable in my own skin – cellulite and all. Like a young girl in a 40-something year old body.
It was good times. Lots of achievements and awards. And it was bumpy times and disappointments too.
Turbulent times taught me a lot about life. I learned that some of life’s brightest moments come in the darkest hours. I learned to hold on for dear life to the people I love … to my faith … and to never lose hope.
Who knows what the next decade holds? I can’t imagine. But I know God has a plan for me, and I know He got me through the tough times, and blessed me in a million ways, too. Looking ahead, I feel optimistic.
Standing here on the edge of 50, I think maybe i shouldn’t dip my toes in the water, I should dive in. Head first. By faith because I can’t swim
Hello Professor, Its Jan. 9th 2017, and I’ve searched the web to find your blog’s topic. I myself turn 50 in 50 days. Thank you for your words and for vicariously sharing your wonderful energy and optimism.. Take care, be well, and carpe diem,.. Your friend, Ken Doyle
Hello Professor!
Stumbled across your blog what a gem!