I keep thinking about Samantha from Sex and the City saying, “50 and fabulous.”
And honestly, I’m starting to like the sound of it.
Because this November, I’ll be 49.
And I have to ask…
How can I possibly be almost 50?
I remember celebrating both of my parents’ 50th birthdays. And I distinctly remember thinking that 50 was OLD. 😂
Now I’m getting close to that age myself, and I’m wondering how that happened.
The funny thing is, I don’t feel old.
Most days, I still feel like I’m in my 20s—until I spend time with actual 20-year-olds. Then I’m reminded pretty quickly that maybe I’m not. 😂
But 50 carries a little more weight for me than simply being another birthday.
Growing up, my dad always said he wouldn’t live past 50 because both of his parents had died at that age.
As a kid, I don’t think I really understood what that meant.
But now, as I get closer to the age my dad once believed he wouldn’t live beyond, I find myself thinking about it differently.
Maybe that’s part of why I’ve become so interested in longevity.
Not just how long we live, but how we live the years we’re given.
And I’m actually excited about my next decade.
In fact, I’ve been thinking about doing something BIG to celebrate turning 50.
I have two ideas.
One is to sign up for the Delirium 12-Hour Race and run my first ultra marathon.
The other is to hire a guide and start hiking the Appalachian Trail with Lee.
I haven’t decided yet.
But I know both would be hard.
Both would push me outside my comfort zone. Both would challenge me physically and mentally. Both would require preparation. And both would probably have moments when I wonder what in the world I was thinking. 😂
But maybe that’s exactly what I want.
I don’t want to enter my 50s thinking about what I should stop doing because I’m getting older.
I want to think about what I can still do.
What can I learn?
Where can I go?
What can I challenge myself to do?
What adventures are still ahead?
And honestly, that’s a big part of what healthy aging means to me.
I don’t want to simply live longer.
I want to be healthy and strong enough to enjoy the years I have.
I want to be able to hike a mountain, travel, run, carry my suitcase, get on and off the floor, explore new places, try new things and say yes to adventures.
I want my body to support the life I want to live.
Because none of us knows exactly how many years we have.
I certainly don’t know how many years I have.
But I do know this:
Aging is a privilege.
Not everyone gets another birthday. Not everyone gets another decade.
And I don’t want to take that for granted.
Of course, getting older isn’t always easy.
There are changes that can be frustrating. Our bodies change. Recovery can take a little longer. We may notice things in the mirror that weren’t there a few years ago.
Like that new little line near my eye.
Or another gray hair that seems to have appeared overnight. 😂
But I’m choosing to be grateful that I’m here to notice them.
I’m grateful for my 20s—the fun, the mistakes and all the growing and learning that came with them.
I’m grateful for my 30s—even the hard parts and the lessons I didn’t necessarily want to learn.
And I’m grateful for my 40s. This decade has brought me more confidence, wisdom, laughter and a greater appreciation for the life I’m living.
So as I get ready to enter another decade, I’m not interested in trying to turn back the clock.
I want to keep moving forward.
I want my 50s to build on everything I’ve learned so far.
I hope they’re full of adventure, growth, laughter, strength, faith, good health and plenty of time doing the things—and being with the people—that matter most to me.
And maybe, just maybe, they’ll be a little bit fabulous too.
Now I’m curious about you.
How did you celebrate your 50th birthday?
Or, if you haven’t reached 50 yet, how would you like to celebrate it?
A big party?
A dream trip?
An adventure?
A race?
Something completely outside your comfort zone?
I’d love to hear what you did—or what you’re dreaming about.
And if you’re nowhere near 50 yet, tell me this:
What do you hope you’ll be doing when you get there?
And if you’re thinking about your own health and wondering how to feel stronger, more energetic and more confident as you get older, I’d love to help.
Schedule a free consultation with me and let’s talk about where you are now, where you want to go, and how we can create a plan to help you enjoy the years ahead.
Click here to book your free consultation, or visit www.pausewellnesscompany.com to get started.
