Reaching the milestone age of 50 is often a time of reflection and discovery. It’s a moment to look back at the journey so far and embrace the wisdom gained along the way. Here are 50 things I’ve learned about myself as I celebrate this significant birthday.
1. Self-Acceptance: I’ve learned to embrace who I am, flaws and all (it has taken most of those 50 years to get here!)
2. Gratitude: I find joy in the little things and appreciate every moment. I’ve really learned to appreciate a cool breeze, a burst of sun through the clouds, watching a dragonfly or hearing the birds sing.
3. Resilience: I’ve faced many challenges and emerged stronger each time. Some almost broke me, but I know now that I really can face anything.
4. Patience: Waiting for the right time often leads to the best outcomes. I’m still learning patience, if I’m honest.
5. Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges frees me to live more fully. Still learning this one too. I’m a work in progress!
6. Empathy: Understanding others’ perspectives enhances my relationships.
7. Self-Care: Prioritising my well-being is essential, not selfish.
8. Adaptability: I can handle change better than I ever thought possible.
9. Curiosity: Learning is a lifelong journey that keeps me young at heart. I love to learn! I usually have a couple of things on the go, and try to make sure it’s not all work-based learning. My learning-for-me learning is currently ceramics and Spanish, but not at the same time!
10. Humour: Laughter truly is the best medicine for almost any situation.
11. Boundaries: Setting limits is necessary for healthy relationships. Took me a long time to learn this one. Now I get it.
12. Authenticity: Being true to myself is far more fulfilling than trying to please others.
13. Time Management: Effective time management ensures I make the most of my days. I’ll be honest, whilst I’ve learnt the importance of time management, putting it into practice still isn’t my strong suit. I am getting better though.
14. Courage: Facing fears head-on has led to my greatest achievements.
15. Mindfulness: Being present in the moment enhances my daily life. It can be so satisfying even just to make a cuppa mindfully.
16. Purpose: Having a sense of direction gives my life meaning.
17. Kindness: Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
18. Generosity: Sharing what I have, whether time, love, or resources, enriches my life.
19. Faith: Believing in something greater than myself provides comfort and strength. This is something I resisted for much of my life, but now it brings me comfort.
20. Joy: Finding happiness in everyday moments keeps my spirit uplifted.
21. Love: Loving and being loved is the essence of a fulfilling life. This is one that took a long time too.
22. Health: Taking care of my body is crucial for my overall well-being. I’ve been battling with chronic illness all of my life, but in the last year I’ve found what works for me for overall wellbeing, so that I can tackle the specifics more effectively.
23. Positivity: A positive outlook can transform even the toughest situations. Not always easy to remember though!
24. Balance: Balancing work, rest, and play leads to a more harmonious life. This is always a work in progress, but I think I do better than many. It tends to be the rest part of work, rest and play that misses out.
25. Wisdom: Age brings a depth of understanding that is invaluable.
26. Time: Time is precious, and how I spend it reflects my priorities.
27. Honesty: Being honest with myself and others builds trust and integrity.
28. Flexibility: Life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Let’s be honest, does it ever go according to plan?
29. Adventure: Trying new things keeps life exciting and vibrant. I don’t think I’ve been very adventurous for most of my life, but that has been changing in the last few years.
30. Community: Surrounding myself with supportive people strengthens me. Strengthens me? I couldn’t manage without my tribe.
31. Creativity: Expressing myself through art, writing, or other mediums is therapeutic. It is! I’ve never been artistic – my art report said art was not my cup of tea, but I have found ways to express myself that I love, such as crochet and ceramics.
32. Listening: Truly listening to others is a gift that fosters deeper connections.
33. Humility: Recognising my limitations keeps me grounded. Never had much of a problem with this one. I’ve always been very aware of my limitations.
34. Simplicity: Simplifying my life brings clarity and peace. And this has become even more important to me this last year.
35. Responsibility: Taking responsibility for my actions empowers me.
36. Peace: Finding inner peace is a journey worth taking. So worth it.
37. Reflection: Reflecting on my experiences helps me grow. Another work in progress, but I have improved a lot.
38. Optimism: Believing in the best possible outcome shapes my reality. Well. On a good day.
39. Rest: Rest is essential for rejuvenation and maintaining my energy.
40. Joy of Giving: Giving without expecting anything in return is incredibly rewarding.
41. Independence: Being self-sufficient boosts my confidence. I heard for many, many years how I could not manage independently. Proving them wrong feels great (but for myself, not so I can rub it in their face)
42. Connection: Building meaningful relationships is more important than ever.
43. Spirituality: Nurturing my spiritual side brings me comfort and guidance. So much so that I’ve begun to help others do the same.
44. Perseverance: Persistence in the face of adversity leads to success. Persistent or obstinate? Hard to tell some days.
45. Empowerment: Empowering myself and others is a powerful force for good. It’s what my work is about, after all.
46. Legacy: Considering the legacy I want to leave helps guide my actions.
47. Self-Reflection: Regular self-reflection leads to continuous improvement.
48. Open-Mindedness: Staying open to new ideas and perspectives broadens my horizons.
49. Compassion: Showing compassion towards myself and others creates a kinder world.
50. Celebration: Celebrating milestones, big or small, adds joy to life. I love to celebrate! I’ve had a little bit of resistance to this celebrating this birthday if I’m honest, but I am celebrating
At 50, I realise that life is a beautiful blend of experiences, lessons, and growth. Embracing each discovery about myself has made the journey incredibly rewarding. Here’s to the next 50 years of learning, loving, and living fully!