How to gracefully accept turning fifty

It's the number before 49 and then the number 51 procedes that number. It's the number of states in America. It's half of a century. It's the number of rings you need to power up in the Sonic hedgehog in the video game. It's the atomic number of tin. Its the number of Shades of Gray. It's also the number of years in marriage that is considered golden. Finally 50% is consider to be half of half. The number 50, can represent anything you want it to. I'm choosing the positive route!

This year I will be turning 50. Yes, the "big one!" many of my friends take a vacation with their girlfriends or a cruise with their husband. This is wonderful but they are telling me, 'I just want to get away & hide. I don't want a party. Don't tell anyone my age." What!? I am taking a different approach. I am celebrating 50 years of being alive. I have accomplished many things in my life. I won't bore you with all the details but I want each and everyone of you to be proud of turning 50!

While discussing our birthdays at a high school reunion lunch the term "club" came up frequently. One friend said, oh, you're turning 50 this November welcome to the club. What club? The it sucks getting old club? The gloom and doom club? I don't want to join that club! I feel that so many women, project a negative feeling towards aging. We should celebrate our year of advancement. After living on this planet for 50 years we should be considered Jedi Master or something. Instead of saying 50 years old, we could say, 50 years accomplished, or 50 years of amazing!

Here is a little idea to empower you and aid in celebrating you 50 years of greatness! Why don't you start a list of things you have always wanted to do! This could be as large as going to Italy and as small as zip lining. Make sure you clear your mind and physically write down your ideas. this is kind of like a bucket list but I do not like the idea of kicking the bucket. I will share some of my wishes.

1. Go to a play downtown Chicago.

2. Join a dance class.

3. Start a food co-op in my neighborhood.

4. Volunteer at the humane society.

5. Spa weekend

Once you get started, you will have so many ideas pop into your head. This is the year for you! If you have grown children at home make sure that they are independent and please stop doing their laundry! If you have spoiled your husband through the years, tell him things are changing, get your own beer!