I did it. Last week, I reached the half century mark. Overnight I went from being “forty-something” to being a 50-year-old woman … and it didn’t hurt one bit! Quite honestly, the transformation began to take place a few years ago when I was shopping in a cute little boutique store and saw a plaque. I am usually not at all attracted to resin plaques, but this one got me. It was The ABCs of Ageing Gracefully. Since that day, I’ve seen it many places, but at that moment, the words were brand new to me. As I read them, I made a commitment to do just that — age gracefully!
I bought the plaque and hung it just inside the entrance to our master bathroom. I wanted to be sure I would see it every day … so I would be reminded and encouraged to practice the art of graceful aging.
So last week when the “momentous occasion” actually arrived, there was neither fanfare nor panic. There were simply family, friends — and peace in knowing that I’ve earned every one of my wrinkles and gray hairs. 🙂 There aren’t many, but they come with the territory, and I’m going to just embrace them. No Lady Clairol or Botox injections for me. I don’t know who comes up with that 50 is the new 40 stuff (what does that MEAN anyway?), but I for one have no desire to repeat 40! I prefer to move forward … gracefully.
Besides, my oldest daughter is celebrating her 28th birthday today. …No, I’m definitely not 40!
I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.
I am just a couple of years ahead of you. And I can honestly say I don’t feel any different in this decade than I did in the last two.
And here is how I feel about birthdays…. Each one is a GIFT!! How lucky I am!! There are some who never have the chance to be the age I am.
Be happy! Love your family! Celebrate each day!!
Happy Birthday Susan!
Wow, what an inspiring post! I love that plaque and am going to remember it for all of my future birthdays!
Happy Birthday to your daughter too. What a fun month for you all.
Blessings and best wishes,
Natasha.
I just turned 50 myself in July. My age has not bothered me so much but some menopausal and health (a friend) issues have rocked my world. Love the aging gracefully concept however since I started turning grey at 21, I have been doing “stuff” to my hair for many years. At some point (maybe after I have grandchildren) I’ll let it go natural.
I’m just a few years ahead of you and Happy Birthday. That plaque is great, but I think the hair coloring will continue for a few more years especially since it has been done since I was 12. Yikes! I don’t have much grey yet either but my original hair color is just blah! Happy Birthday to your daughter too. Mine will be 30 next month and she will be a new mom.
Welcome to the club! I love your plaque and the sentiments it expresses. I do miss my waist, but otherwise, getting older is fun so far! Grandchildren are an added bonus!
Happy Birthday !! In 2/2011 I will be 50 years old. Most of my patients are 50 and older -What I have found that happiness/spirituality radiate from the inside out . Also it appears people with pets are happier. being around people , friends/family also brings joy.
I hope I grow old and happy. Somehow, the cranky side of me loves to pop up more often these days. I should get one of those plaques 🙂
I’m younger then you, just turned 45 and have been coloring my hair for sometime. I do have lot’s of greys and they are not pretty greys either, so I’ll keep on coloring happily! As for the rest of this plaque though, I love it! It’s a great reminder of the joys of aging!
Susan, I am a few years ahead of you but I think one of the best things of growing older is grandkids. They are such a joy. Also, just knowing that I can relax in the arms of my Jesus and not be so uptight about every little thing. I am more concious about picking my battles. So many things I stressed over just really aren’t worth it. God and family are what counts, being with them and enjoying them. It took me a while to realize this but I am on my way.
I love your blog and I love this post. You don’t need that botox or hair coloring. We each have what we need inside us to grow old with dignity. Help from above is required but “We’re here til we’re gone”.
,
The lady that I most admire is my husband’s dear aunt. She will be 100 next July 4th. When given a 100 dollar bill last birthday, she told her nephew she owed him a dollar. She went to Hobby Lobby with the money and told her DIL that “It will take a second trip to spend the rest”. She was a widow who put two sons thru college, she’s sweet, smart, alert and can still put on in their “place” if necessary. Hugs from a 70 yr old, “Ginger
Hi Susan,
Oh, what a lovely, inspirational plaque. I may have to copy that to keep me inspired. So far, having a grandbaby is best! Keep enjoying life as it comes. Thanks.
~ Julie
I LOVE this! I have never seen this before. I think with me I admire women who go grey natural, and don’t fight it. I do have some gray it’s been over 6 years since I have highlighted or color my hair. I am thinking about doing a little something~~something but I’m not 100% sold on coloring my hair. Thank-you so much for sending me this link. It touched my heart.
Thank-you,
Ginger