By Pamela Canning
The thought of turning 50 was never an attractive or welcome one. The dread began around 45, knowing the day was right around the corner. The celebration of every year has been a personal one, but the thought of 50 brought me no joy. The thought process was always one of “the glass is half empty” and it was exhausting. When I actually turned 50 I was surprised by the feeling of exhilaration; something shifted, an attitude really. The first day of being 50 I told off a Walgreen’s Manager; he was rude, disrespectful to me, as a customer, and humiliated his staff (a young man). I just let him have it right there in the photo section.
A few other things have changed as well, I find myself dancing (with my hands) while running, this causes a bit of a problem for my youngest, I ran by him the other day and he pretended he didn’t see me… Oh, he saw me alright.
As our children enjoy “our” cars this summer I have decided to make my next vehicle a tricked out golf cart, it is under construction as I type. My children laugh and roll their eyes, but probably won’t be driving to Market Basket with me. I have also completed registration for fall classes at our local college; no longer will furthering my education be put on the back burner.
I have relaxed a bit as a parent as well, watching our children become really interesting people. My worries are different, less immediate; my kids make good choices (for the most part). I don’t have to work so hard and it feels really good just to let go and be.
Oh, and I also bought myself a gorgeous Coach handbag and sunglasses, that felt really good too!!!!!
The glass is no longer half empty; it is filling up quite nicely.
What an awesome way to embrace 50 and I want a ride in your tricked out golf cart!!!! Enjoy and many more….
It feels so much better than I thought. I guess that’s what happens when we take ourselves out of living in the moment. Big hug!!!!
I’m proud of you mom
this article made me smile till the very end
Thanks, babe. Don’t listen to bstnonice…no driving the golfcart for you! Love you……
Alex, I expect to see you driving the golf cart too!
Ah, no children are allowed to drive the golf cart. Let’s just say that our two cars have paid the price for having “new” drivers. LOL!! Seriously, Alexandra, you can’t drive it…..Matthew, if you read my Blog, you either
Kudos to you, Pam.
You got is soooo right!
Kate, it feels really good……
Alright then Pam, you are taking me for a spin – perhaps we can start a New Yeard Day Parade…you and me in the decked out golf cart, down High Street and right up Skips driveway, bells, whistles, horns….he will love it!
I can see this so clearly…. and I love it! Can I be hanging on to the back?
Must have bling!!!!!
Happy Birthday Pam. A little late, but sounds like you are on the right track….Always remember that Age is just a Number. Love the blog, especially about the kids and driving…You know Pam, I can’t even remember turning 50, but I am sure as Hell looking forward 80…Did you read that Bstn?
Gram, you crack me up!!!! Love you!
The kids should have your room ready by then….
I don’t know, Dana. She is pretty excited to be coming to San Fran again!!!!
Mom, thank you for embracing this moment. I was so worried that you would not, as I watched you struggle with a number. Our little kick off party, jokes and all, seemed to help and I know your New York trip did the same. But, celebrations aside, you found a way, maybe through running, to realize, “Hell yeah I’m 50 and loving it! Now get out of my way or I will run you over with my golf cart or swing with my coach bag!”
Each year, we celebrate another year together, completed and enjoyed with more cofidence than the last and we wish for many, many more – getting older each time – the ultimate marks of success and being alive!
Love you!
So eloquent……I love you with you all my heart!!!!!
Another thing…..I take full credit for your brilliance. I’m just sayin….