The Other Side Of 50

As the clock struck midnight, I was leaving my wonder years behind and crossing over into what I call, the other side of 50.  It’s a milestone.  After all, I have been floating around this great universe for half a century, that surely has to count for something!  A celebration, a look back over the years full of changes, growth, and lessons learned with some being very hard and some showing me the reasons why.  Either way, I was looking forward to this next journey.  It goes without saying that even though I feel prepared for this next phase there are some questions about how I will handle what is to come.

Growing older is a gift that I cherish and never take lightly.  Part of growing older is wondering what life after 50 will be like. Will I still be able to enjoy life as much as before? Or will I have to slow down and take things easy? These questions can be daunting, but there is much to look forward to as any of us who are faced with these questions enter the second half of our lives.

Great change and opportunity don’t magically end because you have added that extra year to your life. While it may be tempting to slow down and take it easy, there are many reasons to embrace this new chapter of life. From pursuing new hobbies and interests to spending more time with loved ones.  It’s important to remember that everyone has a different story, but there is so much to enjoy and appreciate as you grow wiser and evolve into the best you.

*Pursuing New Hobbies and Interests: Whether it be learning a new language, taking up painting, or joining a local sports team, there are endless possibilities for personal growth and enjoyment. For example, my mother took up gardening after she retired, and it has become one of her greatest passions. She spends hours tending to her garden every day and loves the sense of accomplishment that comes with seeing her plants thrive.

*Spending More Time with Loved Ones:  Whether it be grandchildren, siblings, or old friends, this is a time to reconnect and strengthen relationships. Family time is essential to your well-being.  Cherishing special moments will allow you to appreciate the renewed connections and look forward to making many more happy memories.

*Traveling and Exploring New Places:  Learn to explore new places.  With more time and often more disposable income, it is possible to visit new countries, try new foods, and experience different cultures. Find a travel partner and plan out your vacations in advance.  Set your sights on the things you have always wanted to do and make it happen!
​

"Maybe it's true that life begins at 50.  But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out." -Phyllis Diller

Once you reach the other side of 50, you might find that life has a different pace.  You might be more focused on retirement or enjoying the fruits of your labor.  Your priorities might shift from building a career to spending time with family and friends.  You might also face new challenges, such as health issues or caring for aging parents.  Despite these changes, many people find this time of life to be incredibly rewarding.  They have a sense of wisdom and perspective that comes from decades of experience.  They may also feel more comfortable in their own skin and less concerned with what others think of them.  

So if you’re on the other side of 50, embrace this new chapter of your life and all that it has to offer.  

​~AJ 🫶🏾