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!