Today’s my “big birthday.” 5-0.
I won’t reflect on ”Where did the time go?”
I won’t say 50 is the new 30. Gravity tells me otherwise.
I will say that this past week I have become remarkably indifferent about this birthday.
I was going to write a post such as, “50 things PR has taught me.” Or, ”50 snappy lessons from a 50-year-old.” Blah, blah, blah.
Instead, let’s go back 25 years. It’s 1987. On my 25th birthday, I sat in the den in the house I grew up in and talked with my mom.
When she expressed shock that I was 25 (and she wasn’t), I responded that I hadn’t accomplished much in 25 years. But of course, a mother’s wisdom emerged with this gem:
“You’ve been in school for most of your 25 years. It’s the next 25 years that will be more telling. G-dwilling, we should revisit this conversation when you’re 50. Then if you say that you haven’t done much, that’s a different story.”
Good point.
Today, I’m blessed that my parents are still with me and have seen my accomplishments these past 25 years. Naturally, they have been there for the rough patches, too. Which leads me to being grateful for my own two children, my husband, Andrew, my sisters, brother-in-law and their families. Throw in a big extended family, too.
As a 50-year-old, I will share this with you:
- I checked the mirror this morning to make certain I didn’t wake up with a moustache. Mood swings: Stay tuned.
- I have stopped short of cutting my hair like Jamie Lee Curtis.
- I still get a peculiar look on my face when I look in the garage at my 2012 Hyundai Elantra. It’s a far cry from my first car, a 1981 Chevy Camaro.
It’s been a hell of a run these past 25 years.
Big plans for me? Not so much. I won’t be spending time trying to figure out what the next two decades may bring.
Instead, I’ll be busy taking a few deep breaths and enjoying the blessings of the moment.
Every day should be celebrated like this. It’s all I’ve got.
Happy Birthday! You are so accomplished and should be very proud.
Thank you, Deb! I truly appreciate your words and friendship.
Hi Susan,
Great contemplative post. All I can say, is if you like 50, then you will really love 60!
Keep writing…..
Regards and Happy Birthday,
Jackie Fishman
Hi Jackie,
Thank you. Looking forward to what lies ahead!
Best,
Susan
Well Susan,
Happy birthday! Can’t believe you’re almost as old as me! You’re lookin’ good for an old lady, lol!
You are funny, Chris! Thanks for reading…and writing!
Susan
Susan, enjoyed your reflections on 50. Thought I’d share this quote from Mae West: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Congratulations and happy birthday!
Love that Mae West quote. Thanks for the good wishes, Jeff!
Susan