Omg, I'm Turning 50! Confusing, Weird, Amazing-ish? My Raw Thoughts on Hitting Half a Century
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As I get closer to my 50th birthday, I have to be honest: I’m in this strange mix of wonder and confusion. Turning 50 feels both huge and kind of surreal—like I blinked and somehow time-traveled to this point without realizing it.
One minute I’m 35, rocking a pair of heels and feeling invincible, and the next, I’m squinting at my reflection wondering, “Who put those wrinkles there?”
The Strange Beauty of Midlife
Let’s just say it—turning 50 is weird. Some days, I look in the mirror and feel exactly like I did in my 30s. Other days, it’s as if life gently taps me on the shoulder and whispers, “Hey, just a reminder…you’re not 35 anymore.”
But here’s the wild thing: I feel better now than I ever have. Seriously. My mind feels clearer, my relationships are more grounded, and I’ve grown into a version of myself that feels so...authentic.
Like I’m finally me. And that’s a pretty great place to land.
Midlife: Navigating the In-Between
Being in your 40s and now approaching 50 feels like this curious middle ground—this weird little no man’s land. I’m not exactly young, but I’m not old either. I’m somewhere in between, and surprisingly, I’m okay with it. Fashion? That’s become more about fun and comfort, and less about impressing anyone. And you know what else? I’m finally free of that old habit of constantly worrying what other people think.
Gone are the days of plastering on a smile to make someone else comfortable or chasing validation I didn’t even need. What a relief!
Five Powerful Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way
Because let’s be real, these past decades didn’t come without a fair amount of stumbling, learning, and growth. If I could sit across the table from you and share some advice over a cup of coffee, here’s what I’d tell you:
1. Do the Work
This one’s big. Nothing gets better on its own. Personal growth takes effort—and let’s be honest, sometimes that work is downright uncomfortable. Whether it’s sitting in therapy, digging into tough emotions, or learning to be honest with yourself, the magic only happens when you show up and do the work. (Even when you’d rather avoid it.)
2. Embrace Imperfect Answers
Life isn’t some neat little puzzle with perfect solutions. Most of the time, it’s messy. And learning to pick the best option you have in the moment—even if it’s not perfect—is freeing. Trust your gut, take the next step, and be willing to pivot. You’ll figure it out as you go.
3. Listen to Your Inner Whispers
You know that little voice inside? The one you sometimes ignore because you’re too busy? Yeah, that one. Over the years, I’ve learned that the answers are usually there…we’re just too distracted to hear them.
Slowing down, getting quiet (hello, meditation), and making space for those whispers can reveal so much about what you truly need.
4. Cherish the Moments
This one’s personal for me. My kids are in their preteen and teen years now, and I’m acutely aware of how fast it’s all flying by. Not every moment is magical—trust me, there are eye rolls and slammed doors—but even the chaotic, imperfect moments are precious. And I’m doing my best to be present for all of it.
5. There's Time for What Matters
Time is funny, isn’t it? We always feel like there’s not enough of it, but the truth is, we make time for what we prioritize. If something (or someone) matters to you, you’ll find a way.
These days, I’m fiercely protective of my energy—choosing to focus on my family, my friendships, my mental health, and finding joy in simple, daily moments.
My Favorite Reminder: Life is Short
In my office, I keep this piece of artwork that’s basically a chart of my life in weeks. (Yes, it’s a little morbid, but hear me out.)
Each tiny square represents a week lived, and it’s a powerful reminder that time is finite. It’s also a gift. Seeing those weeks fill up pushes me to ask: “Am I spending my time on what really matters?”
Aging is a Privilege
Look, I’m not going to pretend that aging is all sunshine and roses. Gravity is real, wrinkles are a thing, and sometimes my knees sound like they’re auditioning for a role in a horror movie.
But as cliché as it sounds, growing older truly is a privilege. Not everyone gets the chance to keep learning, evolving, and experiencing this wild ride called life.
So yeah…bring on the laugh lines and gray hairs. I’ll take them, because it means I’m still here, still growing, and still me.
My Message to You
If you’re reading this, whether you’re approaching a milestone birthday or just reflecting on where you’re at…let me remind you of something: You are worthy of celebrating. Your journey—the messy, beautiful, complicated path you’ve walked—is something to honor.
So here’s to growth, to laughter, to imperfections, and to embracing every single moment life throws our way…wrinkles and all.
Almost 50, and honestly? I’m feeling fabulous.
