I’m turning 50 on Wednesday. There, I said it. It’s out there for the universe to consume. Not that the universe cares, but I care. Turning 50 years of age is a milestone for anyone. How do I feel about it?
One dominating word comes to my mind. Gratitude. If you follow me on Twitter, you will sometimes see me do the hash tag thing. In other words, #gratitude. I’ve even searched #gratitude on Twitter to appreciate what others are grateful for. I am grateful for my family, health, meaningful work , girlfriends and pajamas.
As you know, I do reflect on things…so what’s next in this journey? What do I want as my life is more than half way done?
- I want to be with my family. As I’ve blogged in the past, I am more consumed with my family. I’m not saying they matter more to me now than they did when I was a younger. However, I am aware that my family as I know it today will change in two years when my oldest goes to college.
- I want to be happy, and I want those around me to be happy. As far as I know, we only have one life, and it needs to be a happy one.
- I want to make a difference. I do, without a doubt, believe in the power of one. Each of us has the power to make a difference in the world.
- I need to be nice to my body. The average life expectancy for women is in the later 80s. If I treat my body well now, the odds are in my favor that I’ll have better wellness in the future. This means focusing on a daily healthy lifestyle including maintaining a normal weight, exercising and eating more plant-based whole foods.
There’s a lot of “wants” and “needs” in my birthday list; however, it’s MY life. I have the power to live my life as I choose. I see some similarities between my gratitude and birthday list, and that’s OK. I just want more of a good thing.
Dr. Viv
Follow me on Twitter @DoctorViv
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy Birthday!!!! I had the honor of turning 50 – 3 years ago – I can say it – but it still is odd to really grasp the fact – I am 53 – “Gulp” but I also believe we each have choices – and I make a choice everyday – to be present in whatever I am doing – at the end of the day – what I do is not always a big powerful moment – but – I am present – I treat others how I would want to be treated or would want a family member treated – and —- there are times – we do make a difference to someone – and how rewarding to know that !!! Everyday – I make a choice to be present.
Valarie, you are a wise woman. Thanks for sharing.
I love this quote from the 2003 movie Calendar Girls, “The flowers of Yorkshire are like the women of Yorkshire. Every stage of their growth has its own beauty, but the last phase is always the most glorious. Then very quickly they all go to seed.”