Turning 50 Series – 6 Things I Learned About Turning 50
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.
Here is a video on six things I learned about myself and turning 50:
Just to recap:
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.
Audrey – thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences! My milestone birthday is in the not-too-distant future and it makes me feel great about this age when cool chicks with you are living so vibrantly (and look so gorgeous.)
Oops – I meant cool chicks LIKE you.
Why thank you Marjie!
Audrey,
This is so great. I just turned 46 on Saturday an realized that 50 is coming! (If I’m so blessed, of course.) I love the idea of celebrating myself monthly beforehand. And I really love your perspective on your mom. I was in the same situation having an older mom; how great that they were confident enough to dress as they pleased.
Happy 50th to you!
Thank you Debi, Since sharing my story on celebrating each month I have received such great feedback. It really has recharged me and makes aging a lot more fun!
Happy Birthday!
Congratulations and a most Happy 50th Birthday, Audrey!
You are so poised, lovely and eloquent in your video and I appreciated hearing your six very valuable insights as you reach this milestone.
I so admire your confidence, clarity and beauty, both inside and out and
adore your live age~lessly tank from NDY!
(I see you’ve added a lace top underneath) very feminine, very YOU!
Happy Birthday again!!!!
xo
Carol April
http://www.ndynotdoneyet.com
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to celebrate the pre and actual 50… we’ll celebrate the post and apres 50 when we are both back in town… xxx
This is the reason why I am celebrating for a whole year. Looking forward to continuing with you when I return from Canada dahlin’ Hugs!
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this! It’s so great to find women coming to 50 (and past!) who are positive, optimistic and vibrant.
I am a year away from 50, and working on a website that I hope will help me get there with flying colors – and maybe some new friends too.
I am going to send all my 50ish friends here to visit!
G at gettingto50.blogspot.ca
Thank you for the love G! Looking forward to following you also. Let us know when you are live!
Audrey
May I say that you look Beautiful for a young lady who has turned the young age of 50.
I have just turned 65 and I consider myself not only young but young at heart and the second phase of my life is gest gettin started.
Who know your second phase of life might just be better than the first half.
I am counting on it Roger! And thank you for the compliment!
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