So, I turned 50 yesterday, and so far, so good. I’ve been asked a few questions about this milestone birthday, and I thought I’d take this opportunity to share my answers.
Q: Do you feel any different?
A: Not really. I’ve felt for a while now that I am the best version of myself. It took me a long time to get here. I’ve been through a lot of different phases and learned a lot of lessons. But I can honestly say I’m comfortable in my own skin.
Q: Are you freaking out?
A: Starting a new decade has never bothered me. I see it as a clean slate laid out for me to make my mark. I admit that I do freak out in the years leading up to the next decade. If you asked me this question when I was turning 47 or 48, I probably had a different answer.
Q: Did you get your AARP membership invitation?
A: Yes. It came in the mail with a postcard for the local private school, which is weird because I have a daughter in college and a son in high school. Why am I still on their mailing list? Also, can the age for AARP be raised to 60? Who is retiring at 50 these days? If you are, Mazel tov!
Q: Do you know who that celebrity is?
A: Were they in a John Hughes movie or performed at LiveAid? No? Then, probably not.
Q: How will you enjoy your golden years?
A: If I’m not mistaken, I think the term “golden years” refers to post-retirement. I’m not retiring any time soon unless I win the lottery.
Q: Did you schedule your (fill in the appropriate medical test)?
A: I saw a commercial yesterday for the shingles vaccine and realized that now I’m old enough to get it. I added it to my list. The downside of this age is that I now qualify – and am obligated to – receive several preventative shots, tests, and exams. I’m on it – can I enjoy the moment first?
Q: Do you feel old? (part 1)
A: Absolutely not! I can still do everything I could do before. Fifty comes with another f-word I like – “freedom.” With my kids becoming more independent, I will not spend my time in carpool lines and birthday parties. While I miss some parts of that parenting stage, this is such a fun time in their lives. We have amazing conversations. And, I love watching my kids grow up and figure out how to be adults. Of course, I’m still right here when they need me. By the way, what F-word did you think I was going to say?
Q: Do you feel old? (part 2)
A: Still no. I’m proud to say that I stay on top of new technology, social media, and apps. At least I thought I was up to date until I had to use Apple Pay at the grocery store when the credit card machine was down. Note to self: always have a little cash on hand, so I never have to do that again. I was a little embarrassed, but I still didn’t feel old – just a bit flustered.
I am told that learning new things will keep me forever young. And apparently, jigsaw puzzles and reading are excellent for brain health, so I’m already ahead of the game. Just give me a minute while I find my reading glasses.
Q: Do you worry that you are running out of time?
A: Yes, I do. Turning 50 definitely puts things in perspective. I am taking stock of what I’ve already accomplished – which is a lot – and what else I want to do with my life. It’s a long list of places to go (Italy), people to see (friends that live far away who I haven’t seen in forever), and things to do (write a book). Now, I need to figure out how I’m going to do it all.
Q: Is that your natural hair color?
A: None of your business. 🙂
Q: What are you going to do now?
A: Stay tuned.
How did you feel about your milestone birthday?
Melissa
March 11, 2021 at 6:08 am (4 years ago)Happy Belated Birthday! I just turned 50 myself, and as I see it, I have the other half of my life still ahead of me. Enjoy yours and be well!! ? (looking forward to reading your book someday ☺️)
Robert Krantweiss
February 19, 2021 at 2:41 pm (4 years ago)(1) After the “initial shock”, join AARP. They have lots of discounts like for hotels and such. (2) The only reason it’s called the “golden years” is because they are referring to the doctors’ incomes. Stay well(3)! As long as you are enjoying your job, I would not retire. I held off until they were going to get computers to try and replace me. (4) Make certain you have things planned on doing before you retire. (5) I think you hit it right on the nose when you said you were the best version of yourself that you could be. I have always felt that way about you. You have had a few hard times when you were younger, but through persistence and your kind personality , you worked your way through them. I am a pretty good writer but it would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to express HOW PROUD I AM OF YOU IN CHOSING CAREERS THAT HELP MAKE THE WORLD BETTER, BRINGING UP CHILDREN WITH STRONG JEWISH VALUES, HIGH MORAL AND VERY KIND PERSONALITIES, AND BEING SO CHARITABLE! B KRANT
Jeanne
February 19, 2021 at 7:03 am (4 years ago)I like the way you handled this thorny topic! Nuance + Q&A = fresh take
vidya
February 19, 2021 at 1:24 am (4 years ago)I have a little more than three years to go before I get to the golden age!! And loved your answers.. I found myself nodding in agreement..
And oh yes, A Happy Belated Birthday to you!!
Heidi Albertson
February 18, 2021 at 9:47 pm (4 years ago)I love your outlook on turning 50. I have to admit I am a little apprehensive still I am turning 49 this year. So I have another year fo it to grow on me.
Elisa Heisman
February 18, 2021 at 9:50 pm (4 years ago)Thanks, Heidi. You have a whole year to get used to the idea, and you will get there. 🙂