I’m turning the big 50 this week, a milestone in a person’s existence, and more than likely the halfway point in a human beings life. Surprisingly to me, it seems pretty pleasant because I feel good, appear well, and am looking forward to the next 50 if I’m blessed to do so. I’ve become one who believes life can get better as we age because by this time we’ve all learned a few things, experienced much, hopefully loved and cared for others, and been a friend to many. Fifty years doesn’t seem possible because I remember certain events from my childhood like they just happened. And in the grand scheme of things fifty years isn’t really that long, but it does surprise me when I scan the calendar and draw a deep breath.
When I turned 40 it was a big deal. I thought, wow, that’s what I grew up picturing people my dad’s age, or folks entering their golden years as being. It was a moment in time I never realized would sneak up so fast. But, it came and went without much fanfare. Now, fifty has come, what seems at lightning speed. Maybe it’s because my forties were so busy. After all, I went back to school for a while, had more than one job, moved often, traveled a lot, endured a parents death, and wrote a novel. I’ve become, I’d like to think, a little wiser, learned much through experience, grown more open to greater expression and alternative ways of thinking, and have come to accept many situations and things I don’t always truly understand. I’ve learned to turn things over to God when events aren’t going my way, to deal with the negative, and be grateful to those who’ve stood with me through the good, and the bad. I’m convinced; my next fifty years will be the best of all.
Growing older is something we all deal with. It’s simply an inevitable part of life. But, our first fifty years, I believe, really does define a lot of who we are.
By the time you reach this halfway point, you’ve discovered a few things; learned what, and who you truly like and truly love. You realize the mistakes you’ve made along the way and press forward, while applying the knowledge to future situations, and relationships. You hopefully mature to a point of respectability, and likeability among your peers. You rest a little easier at night knowing most problems are solvable, doable, and only temporary. By this time you can easily identify who your true friends are, who will show up when really needed, and who will still be that one who comes to you for help and counsel because they trust you, and believe in you. Fifty is just a number, but it’s a significant one because by now you recognize true love when you see it, and feel it. Relationships don’t carry the same adolescent patterns as they once did because your too old to waste time on those who aren’t worthy of it. Your first fifty years really do serve as a learning curve for all things personal and make you realize just who, and what is truly important.
By age fifty, you generally know what you want, and how to get it. Your insights are sharp, alert, and carry the ability of seeing truth when it comes. You’ve put away most things which are time consuming and unmanageable and look for people and events which will further your set of goals. You’ve had plenty of time to learn from others, now hopefully they look up to, and learn from you.
Simply put, with age comes experience, with experience comes knowledge, with knowledge comes maturity, with maturity comes respect, with respect comes appreciating and honoring others and an ability to focus on true importance; lessons learned from fifty years of living.
I hope that wherever you are in life, you’re looking forward to your future years. To cherish good moments as they come, to not fear new experiences, and to realize each one passing by is another step closer to eternal life: something I see as the ultimate reward for an existence well-lived.
I wish you all the best with your first fifty years…
To read more of Randy Mitchell's writing, visit his website @ www.theinspirationalwriter.com
Read an excerpt of his inspirational romance novel, SONS IN THE CLOUDS on Amazon!