6. 50 Reasons Why

My wife turned 50 this week.

Being that much older than her, as she often reminds me, I turned 51 in December, I have had an entire year for that half-century number to sink in. As she watches the “50” sparkler fizzle down on her cake, I can’t help but smile. In that moment, the “50” to her meant that there were more years behind her than in front, it meant more grey hair, more wrinkles, and a few extra pounds. To her it was the realization that she had come to the end of an era. To me it symbolized the beginning of a new one. “50” does not need to be the marker for “old age.” It is a milestone event that gives you permission to take those markers and scribble outside the lines, redesign the picture of your life, and use all the colours in the box. As our lifetime clock ticks louder, it is time to focus on what really matters. We are old enough to know who we are, yet young enough to make it happen. Happy 50th Birthday Carol. Together, we will tackle whatever comes our way headstrong and shoulders back. We’ve got this!

Here are 50 reasons why I’m ok with being 50.

1. I am only a few years away from being able to take advantage of senior’s day at Shoppers Drug Mart.

2. Retirement is within reach and I am looking forward to it.

3. I have an excuse for forgetting where I put my keys.

4. I appreciate and love babies, but I no longer have to get up at 4am to feed them.

5. Puzzles have become fun again.

6. I understand that money is just money and I can be happy with or without it.

7. I finally understand where my parents were coming from.

8. And that they were right about everything.

9. I can appreciate a good glass of scotch.

10. The styles I loved in the 80’s are back in style.

11. Going through menopause means no more monthly cycle. Hooray!

12. I have a real car; the car I have always wanted… my lil’ bug Alice.

13. I could write a book from the weird dreams I have.

14. Christmas has become about family not presents.

15. My glasses have become my new fashion statement. (I can’t read without them)

16. The childhood toys I’ve hung onto are now considered vintage and selling them on eBay could make me millions.

17. I can sing along to all the new rap remakes of the oldies.

18. I have found my tribe.

19. The home and garden network inspires me.

20. I don’t care what other people think. There is freedom in that.

21. I have more time to spend on my creative outlets.

22. I feel wise.

23. Even though my boobs are a few inches lower and my hair is greying, I love myself more now than I did 20 years ago.

24. Saying no is easier

25. Saying yes is easier

26. I have forgiven myself.

27. I have forgiven others.

28. 50 is the new 40.

29. 9:30 is an acceptable time to go to bed.

30. I don’t experience FOMO.

31. It’s about experiences not stuff.

32. But if I want to buy something frivolous for myself I can, because I already have what I need.

33. My kids refer to me to their friends as their Pinterest mom.

34. I’ve finally stopped biting my nails.

35. I’m not afraid to learn new things.

36. I know what I want to be when I grow up.

37. I don’t hit the tree at the bottom of the toboggan hill; my weight slows me down.

38. I appreciate my Knix.

39. I still have a shape, therefore I am in shape.

40. Breaking the rules is more fun than ever!

41. I can laugh at myself.

42. I can finally beat my mom in a game of scrabble.

43. No filter for this girl.

44. Investments, insurance and RRSP’s actually mean something.

45. I don’t need a lot of closet space. A couple pairs of yoga pants and some comfy jammies and I’m good to go.

46. I have an excuse for being moody; it’s called menopause.

47. I know how precious time is.

48. I finally made the cheerleader squad. I am my own cheerleader.

49. I can enjoy a meal without photographing it. (although I still sometimes do.)

50. I am grateful for the life I have lived, and the life yet to come.
    

Thank you for reading “The Weekly Seed.”

50 is fabulous!

Laura