The First 50 Years ⋆ ThePiscesGirl

The First 50 Years

I just recently celebrated my 51^st birthday. To me, celebrating 51 meant I had officially completed 50 full years in this beautiful world. The thought of living half a century made me realize I’ve been on quite a long journey from where I was- to where I am now. From who I was -to who I am now. In my youth I thought by the time I got to 50 I would certainly have the all the answers to those “life questions” that eluded me in my younger days. Well… I am here now and I still don’t have all those answers – but I would like to share some of my thoughts on what I have learned in my first 50 years……

Choose to be kind. Kindness touches peoples’ lives in unforgettable ways.
Full moons really do make women go into labor.
Most people are good. Some are not. But most are.
I don’t feel I have to convince anyone of anything. I just have to live by my own truth and let others do the same.
Buying every cooking magazine and flagging hundreds of recipes will never make you a good cook or turn you into Martha Stewart.
Most of the regrets I have are for the things I wish I had done.
That being an introvert does not mean there is something “wrong” with me. It just means solitude doesn’t scare me and that I have learned how to be my own best friend.
During the worst times of your life is when you really find out who your most loyal supporters are.
Good friends are one of life’s necessities. (see #8)
You are never too old to make new — and wonderful — friends. Some of my best and most devoted friends have come into my life in the last few years.
Be resilient. If you think you are not- you can learn how to be. Find what works for you. It will be your greatest tool in your toolbox. Life is full of many ups and downs.
Parking at a construction site with your grandsons for 30 minutes and watching front loaders repetitiously do their job is as restorative as any meditation or yoga class.
If you want my opinion, I will give you my honest opinion. If you don’t really want to hear my opinion then please don’t ask.
I no longer force my feet into shoes that hurt just because the shoes are gorgeous. (maybe sometimes)
Your world is precious. Only allow people into your world who inspire and empower you to be the best possible person you can be.
Silence isn’t always a bad thing.
The only moment I’m actually able to exert any control over is right now. You can learn from the past and you can plan for the future, but you only have power over the present.
Intuition or insightfulness is your own inner personal wisdom. I always have and always will trust my gut.
I no longer take rejection personally. It’s normally more about the other person than about me.
Have a core set of beliefs/ values/ morals that no one and nothing can shake.
Eat dessert. Even if its just a handful of M&M’s.
Logic and belief are two sides of the same coin — believe in the magic that there is a divine order and purpose to your life.
I’ll never be able to learn all the things I want to learn or read all the books I want to read.
Emotional pain can be channeled constructively into creativity. Make something beautiful that brings you joy.
Self-care is necessary to recharge your own battery and is nothing to feel guilty or indulgent about. It’s like when you are flying – you have to put your own oxygen mask on first before you can take care of others.
I still miss my very spirited and beautiful grandmother every day. I’m grateful to have her big silver cuff bracelet. I put it on when I need to feel strong and grounded.
Dining al fresco makes any meal taste better and makes poor service barely noticeable.
Never say never. Most of the things I said I would never do were based on self-doubt and fear of failure or looking “silly”.
You can get over sadness even if you think you never will. While it may never completely disappear, it lessens with time.
Even though I might think I’m right, it doesn’t mean I always am.
Spend your time and energy loving the people that love you, not worrying about the ones that don’t.
It is possible to love your children and still love having a life of your own. It’s not a tradeoff.
It’s okay to say no.
Growing old gracefully doesn’t mean I have to love my wrinkles. To me, it means to grow old with wisdom.
It’s okay to take a nap in the middle of the day. Everyday if you can.
Empathy is one the greatest virtues to possess. Without it, all other virtues are merely an act.
Grudges and toxic people truly are poison to the soul. The only antidote is to let them go.
Talk to strangers. Everyone has a story they want to share.
Dark chocolate and several cups of green tea per day will negate my unhealthy habits. (The body achieves what the mind believes.)
There are somethings in life you can’t control, like love. Love is a force that is felt from the heart and we are all in one another’s lives for a reason.
We each hold our destiny in our own hands. The moment you decide to allow your life to improve is the moment when it will.
Give more than you receive. Being selfless is not the same as being a martyr. Some of the most influential women in my life were the ones who taught me the importance of putting others needs before their own.
Traveling has educated, inspired and made me both humble and grateful. It has become like breathing to me. It is just something I have to do.
It’s important to understand the things that happen to you- but to be truly healthy, you not only have to understand but also rid it from your mind and body, as well.
Playing tranquil music and lighting candles can transform a chaotic home into a haven
Never give up on your dreams no matter how old you are.
No matter how frustrating teenage sons can be, they can grow up to be the most wonderful men and some of the best friends you will ever have.
Grandchildren truly are the fountain of youth we all seek. Being able to see the world again through their eyes with newness, innocence and wonder can reignite your very existence.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Simple. Potent. It is the only guideline we really need to follow in life. Everything else in life flows from this.
I am looking forward to my next 50 years on this Earth.