In a few short months I have a birthday coming up. No, it’s not the big one. But, I’m getting so close I can almost feel it’s hot breath whispering in my ear. I am holding onto my 40’s by a thread.
When the day comes that I do turn 50 – I mean 49+1 – I will embrace it in my own way. Fifty is going to have to take me kicking and screaming – no going quietly into the night for me. I will have a disco themed birthday bash, with a flashing disco ball, and shake my groove thing…all night long. It will be the Bat Mitzvah party I never had!
I don’t ever want to lose the youthful spirit and energy coursing through me. I will not be saddled down by a number. I will not cut my hair, I will not let it go gray (though many do and look gorgeous, it’s just not for me), or tone down the oomph factor when I dress. And I will not fade away. After all, I go to spin class with my nineteen year old daughter, and I kick ass (even if it’s just by my own standards).
Some may look at this landmark birthday as a time when they begin to slow down. I’m just revving my engine. After raising two beautiful children into wonderful, caring, productive adults, I’m ready for this time in my life. I have no intention of slowing down now or anytime in the foreseeable future. Other than a few aches and pains, and a little extra weight on my frame, I feel young and alive and excited for what the future will bring. (Grandchildren would be nice, but let’s not rush things.)
For some, going from 49 to 50 creates the kind of panic that only driving on a narrow, windy road with nothing to the side of you but a drop can do. No, I’m making a conscious decision. It’s not going to be that way for me. I’m just going to carry on and go about my business like it’s any other day. Because in my mind I will always be in my 40’s. 49+1, 49 +2…you get the idea.
Fifty will be a time of reinvention. For me, and how I shape fifty to be. I don’t like labels, unless, of course, it’s in my handbag, and I won’t be defined by one. I want to do and learn and laugh and love. I want to live. And as long as I’m healthy, God willing, I will keep the pedal to the metal until I no longer can or care. Whichever comes first.
Take that 50!
I like your image, consistent with your blog theme, of “pedal to the metal.” I totally agree. I volunteer every week at a nursing home, and I always take the time to visit my 102 year old friend Gladys. Hanging with that crowd demonstrates how I have so many resources, strengths and opportunities as a fiftysomething. And even when I get into my 80s and beyond, I can see how many of the residents are making the most of the resources, strengths and opportunities of late, late adulthood. Seize the Day! I love the VERVE and MOXY demonstrated in your post.
At 58 I don’t see myself as slowing down or sacrificing the quality of my life at all…it’s a myth someone fed us long ago!
49+ is my new way of thinking!
Wonderful, wonderful and keep dancing under that disco ball.
I like your spirit! I’ve had 6…well ok, almost 7 years to explore life in my 50’s and I’ve got to tell you from my experience it’s appreciably better than the 40’s! It feels like you finally come into your own….I call it the (for lack of a better work) screw you decade! And as far as holding onto that 49+….let me share a little secret with you….if you’re going to lie about your age, then add 10 years….you’ll get a lot of “Gee you look fantastic”! comments! Or don’t lie and just think….screw you!
Age is such a limiting construct…great post, and I look forward to that disco party!
Karen
Ooh, we need to think of a bar mitzvah equivalent to celebrate 50 — and I want to be invited! You will make a great 49+1, and I know you won’t be slowing down at all! Great post!
Love this and can I come to your disco party? It is all about attitude – great post!
My nan, at 80, used to say she didn’t feel any older than 25 or 30….she just had a lot more sense. Welcome to a new demographic, a new decade and really…..you should celebrate the heck out of turning 50!
I hear ya!!! I have 50 in ………a few months. Luckily, most people think I am about 38! On the agenda….get married and keep fooling everyone!
I’m taking a different approach, although with a similar spirit! I have stopped coloring my hair, I don’t care to dress sparkly any more, and I don’t really mind slowing down a bit. With a few months of my 40s left, too, I’m embracing the authenticity that I feel my 50s is going to bring.
I will, however, join you on the dance floor. I’ll bet we have a few of the same moves!
You go, girl. It’s your life and only you can decide how to live it!
I like all you have to say, except the part about grandchildren… I can’t even bring myself to think about those at all. It’s one thing embracing 50. Embracing being a grandmother? Not me, not yet. Great post, Linda.
I want your confidence girl … had someone tell me I had Mom hair at Blissdom and so this morning I hacked off three inches … yes I did.
ack ….
Oh, great post. I turned 50 last fall and approached it kicking and screaming, but I feel better than I have ever felt in my life (thank you cute, 27 year old trainer). I will never feel my age and will always be young and do young things. I was hanging with 36 year old’s until 1 in the morning last weekend, bar hopping! It is liberating when your young ones grow and you can be you again and at 50, you can tell everyone to shove it!! xoxo
Jeez… I was sticking at 43 and pretty thrilled… Now I’m not sure where I’m sticking, but most of the time I’m just glad to be here and kicking!
Love this post. You go, girl!
LOL I just went to a tabata class with my 17 yr old daughter today. I kicked ass in my own way too, though she was still better. But you try, right? And you try hard.
And I love how you say you are not cutting your hair. I feel like that is such a marker of a woman saying “I’m old”. If it looks good, why would you?
Also, when you have your disco party, I want to come. 🙂
I had a MAJOR panic attack about turning 25…can you imagine? I’ll never let that happen again. Awesome post!
Shine on, you crazy Diamond! At 49+ a couple, I was very happy to see 50; I’ve enjoyed every year so far, and that’s still my plan. Your enthusiasm (and energy) is truly inspiring.
You go girl.I jumped out of a plane for my 50th. At 55, I/m just getting started!
I’ve never understood the focus on numbers. If you’re happy with who you are, why does it matter?
I think you’re right that for a lot of women, 50 is time for a new adventure. Good luck on yours!
There is no reason to slow down at any age!
I loved my 40s! They were the best of times and the worst of times, but mostly the best of time, especially when I appreciated them. Turning 50 was hard. Harder than I thought. And the first three months were much worse than I even imagined. But then suddenly I embraced it. And in embracing it, other doors, doors I couldn’t see before, opened.
You are going to rock 50. I already know it. And I’m going to cry if I don’t get an invitation to your party.
I’m braver after 50 than I have ever been. I am so enjoying trying old things in a new way. My mind is always willing. But I can tell my body is slowing down a bit. That probably will be the most frustrating part of getting older.
I am four months away from turning 60…my life is my joyful, vibrant, and heathly than it was during my forties!! Don’t buy into any of the myths!
Thanks for all the great responses. You’re all invited to my disco bash! xoxo
Hello from the far side of 50! It won’t matter what your age is — you have the energy and attitude to rock any age. Great post!
Rock on! It really is how old you feel and I swear as I age the world seems to be full of fun house mirrors so that image doesn’t count.
You’re so cute, Linda. You look incredible, and whenever I see you, you’re glowing. Age ain’t nothin’ but a number – you’re a testament to this!
Great attitude! That’s all that really matters in the end.
What a fantastic way to approach that milestone! Love it! 🙂
Great spirit! I’m with you! Age is definitely just a number…it’s how you feel that counts! I’m always on the go (still in my 40s) and I don’t feel like I have an less energy than I did in my 30s. My in laws live in the same town and I constantly hear from my friends at the gym that my mother in law kicks butt at the classes…and she’s in her 70s! I’m determined that I will be like her!
Thanks friends! Your support inspires me.
Sign me up for the disco party…We can do the 50’s shuffle down the groove line girl!
So awesome!!! Love your attitude and inspiration!!!
I read this post with an ear to ear smile, totally loved your view of those dreaded 50’s. I’m still three years shy of them, but will totally embrace your philosophy, when they eventually show up. Thumbs up!
50 was nifty, 51 fun, truth be told, BB’s just begun!! Mujer, 50 is just a number, just like the ones on the scale- I just ignore them all. Besides, always was terrible at math. ; ) Here from the MB hop- Happy 2014!!
Well I am with you girl! I’m not going to be defined by a number either. There are plenty more years of living in this girl and she is not going to go quietly! Hope you enjoy your Disco Party!!
You have a electric attitude and I Love it! Turning 49 this year I’m following close behind. Like you I feel like my life is just beginning and I look forward to my fun-filled future!
Barbara @ http://www.allmylivesnow.com Visiting from Midlife Boulevard Blog Hop
Great ending line. Erma would approve.