I am entering my 50th year this month.
It's been an interesting journey.
I'm not going to detail my whole life but there are some key things that have brought me to where I stand as I stare down 50. They are an important part of my life philosophy and how I plan to handle the next 50 years.
I grew up with a profoundly handicapped bother (think Stephen Hawking at the end of his life - that level of profound) and by the age of 23 had lost 10 important people in my life and had probably begun to form an attachment disorder. I mean, why get close to people if they are just going to die on you?
When I was young and dealing with so much grief each loss made me feel almost cursed.
But as time passed I started to see these challenges differently.
As perhaps an opportunity for growth.
My level of loss has taught me not to take anyone in my life for granted. I would like to think that I look at my husband and my children and my parents and my siblings and my in-laws and my friends and truly be thankful for them every single day.
I've lost more wonderful folks on my life's journey, mostly to cancer and old age related illnesses. And I am doing my best to balance grief and joy - grief for those lost, joy for the happy times we shared.
Which brings me to now and my impending 50th Birthday.
Watching many of my friends celebrate this milestone I've been struck by a trend.
It seems that most of the birthday cards for sale satirize the 50th birthday: "How Many Things Are Older Than Anne?!" - "How Over The Hill Is Anne?!"
It can be hard to find any nice cards that simply celebrate this milestone for what it is.
I want a card that says the following:
"Congratulations! You're turning 50! You are so blessed to have made it this far and a wonderful time is ahead of you! We love you and are happy you are in our life! Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!"
Or something like that.
As I stare down the half century mark, my goal is truly to aim for balance. I know it's a cliche and the fodder for every magazine on the grocery store rack but, there it is.
My plan includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1) Do the things I have to do exactly when I have to do them
2) Do the things I want to do whenever I feel like I want to do them
3a) Be mindful of the things others need from me and give of myself cheerfully
3b) But don't be taken advantage of by others
4) Enjoy my family
5) Enjoy my friends
6) Read more
7) Walk and bike outdoors more
8) Keep the internet in it's place
9) Stop eating crap
I think that's about it.
Here's to 50!
Comments