So I’m 50 and Now What!!!?#$%&;@

Since my 50th birthday, 2 weeks ago, I have calmed down about the whole Milestone decade thing. My days at work breezed by without a blink. No one knew or cared. Life was the same. The only people that mattered made sure to celebrate me. I had a wonderful time with my siblings and cousins, who are so close to me that we were able to enjoy a very special girls getaway.

As part of my promise to myself,  I saw my PCP. I was very pleased to get a clean bill of health. I received my annual flu shot, my cholesterol and blood pressure report and a referral to get a colonoscopy.

Okay, I’ll admit that one was not a surprise. I knew it was coming. but that doesn’t mean I am looking forward to it. However, I do resolve to take care of myself and do all my tests this year: my mammogram, my eye exam and my dermatologist.

So , as a reward for being so proactive in my health regimen, I decided to reward myself with a facial. I booked one at my local spa. Anti-aging was my goal. I wanted to get some relief for those dark circles and age spots.

I enjoyed a very relaxing facial treatment while she explained the benefits of each product. I was almost convinced that the eye cream with Retinol A, cucumber extract and caffeine was just what I needed to improve my complexion.

When I walked up to the counter and saw the product waiting for me, with an $80 price tag for less than one ounce, I balked. I am not old enough,wrinkled enough, or dull enough to justify such an extravagant and expensive beauty cream. No Thank You! Try me again when I’m 60!

My 50th Birthday Celebration!

Today I am 50 years of age. Notice I did not say “old”.  I do not feel a day older than yesterday. I had a few minutes to reflect on the things I love about myself and what I have accomplished by age 50.

• I love how healthy and physically fit I feel. I am in good shape and rarely have illnesses.
• I love my new job, the people I interact with, the programs I am involved in coordinating, the hours I work and the people I work with.
• I love that I am able to provide health insurance for my whole family.
• I love that my daughter is quickly becoming an independent and responsible adult.
• I love that my son has a sense of confidence and direction for his future.
• I love that my husband is in good health and enjoying his retirement with fun activities that give him (and me) pleasure.
• I love that we splurged on the new kitchen. Every day it gives me pleasure to cook healthy, delicious meals for family or friends.
• I love how productive my garden has been this year. I enjoy harvesting bouquets of flowers, pints of raspberries, armloads of collard greens and bunches of fresh herbs.
• I love the attention my dogs give me- especially on days when I return from work. Whether they want to go for a walk or just cuddle up for a snuggle, they are loyal companions.
• I love all the outpouring of love and support from my greater family: parents, sisters, cousins, in-laws, who are always there to encourage my endeavors and cheer me up when I need it.
• I love having the time to compose my thoughts and share my reflections with everyone who follows my blog.

In thinking about all these positive things that I love about being myself at age 50, all the negative things that I fear or hate- like grey hairs, wrinkles, age spots and reading glasses- seem so shallow and insignificant. Anyone who knows me, sees a much more positive picture. Going into my fifties, I still have the same spunk I had when I was in the single digits. This should be a really good decade.

Thanks to all my family who made me feel special!

Bon Voyage, ma Fille!