Turning 50 - 6 Lessons I Learned
By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
It has been six months since I started this series on turning 50 and, finally, the day arrived last Sunday, June 10th. It is official! I am half a century old. Woot!
I am so thankful that I took this opportunity to celebrate my 50th every month this year. I highly recommend it. Why? Because it gave me the excuse to focus on myself and through the process I learned a lot.
1) It is fun to focus on oneself, but more importantly it is necessary. Think airplane safety with the oxygen masks. We are always told to put on ours first before helping others. This is good advice to live by. Look after yourself before you look after others.
2) Overcoming my fears has helped me feel more vibrant, confident and courageous. I push myself a little harder and it feels good. It truly empowers me!
3) Turning 50 and going through this journey for The Succulent Wife has forced me to live - truly live! We all put off things for another day, but once you turn a half a century old it makes you face that fact that life really is too short.
4) Embrace turning 50 (or whatever age you are). Those who dig in their heels are missing out on a wonderful experience. It is all in the attitude and believe me, people can see it when you do not embrace your age.
5) I don't want to turn back time. I look back at old photos of myself and go hey I look pretty good back then, but I remember that I always wanted to loose those 5 extra pounds or I always complained about my hair, thighs etc. Not any more. I am no longer going to put myself down. It brings down my confidence and it is so unproductive.
6) I reflected on my own mother when she was 50. I remember it vividly. I was 13 and thought my mother was so old. All my friends had young hip moms who wore their hair long and wore blue jeans (this was the early 70s). My mother, who had impeccable taste, wore skirts and dresses for the most part. Her hair was short and stylish. Thinking back she would would have looked silly trying to dress like the younger moms. So, I thank her for teaching me to not compare myself to others and be true to who I am.
Are you coming up to your milestone birthday? Or has it already passed? I would love to hear from you on how you plan to celebrate or have already celebrated your 50th.
Read more: http://www.thesucculentwife.com/turning-50-series-6-things-i-learned-about-turning-50/#ixzz21kK0HWor
