51, really?
September 1, 2010 | Just me
I remember when I turned 30. My co-workers threw a big birthday bash. Instead of putting Happy 30th, the ornery crew put Happy 40th. I took a big, black marker and slashed through the 40 and put 30 in its place! The funny thing is that I loved turning 30. I finally felt like a real grown up. I was a mom to 3, and had been for a few years, but that number–the number 30–spoke of maturity and growth and future to me.
40? It sounded old.
Today I turn 51. I woke up to a birthday door, something I did for my kids when they were growing up. Richard taped on my favorite candies. Twix. Twizzlers. Pay Day. A sweet card, and a few other small items. Lots and lots of friends and family flooded my Facebook page with birthday wishes.
What a cool way to start the day!
But I’m still a little amazed and maybe apprehensive about this new set of numbers that describe me.
50. 51.
I found this quote last week and it’s one that is worth thinking about.
If you aren’t happy with what “is” you have to choices: Learn to love it or change it. Indesicion and inaction can be the death of the spirit.
I think I plan to do both with this set of numbers. I will learn to love it. I will embrace the good things that come with it, like being a gramma or maybe having a little extra wisdom just because of experience and time.
But I also plan to change some things. These numbers usually mean the beginning decline of health. I will walk daily. I will eat right. I will take care of my body and live physically to the fullest, hiking and rafting and walking and running.
I will change the perception, if only in my own mind. I’m not old. I’m growing. I’m learning. I will continue to learn, to stretch, to take on new challenges in technology, in life, in my perceptions of people. I will read–often.
I will change the notion that because you are moving into this decade that you are set in your ways. I won’t sit in the same spot in church. I’ll move around so that I can meet new people. I’ll listen to those who disagree with me, so that I can know why they think or believe the way they do.
Maybe this will be my gift to myself. The gift of embracing this decade and seeing just how awesome it can be.
RSS feed for comments on this post.
The URI to TrackBack this entry is:
http://www.tsuzanneeller.com/2010/09/01/51-really/trackback/
Love this! Good for you, Suzie. Can you believe people my age are always trying to say we are old?? I always tell them that this is my favorite age I’ve ever been, and I hope to feel and react the way you do when I get the privilege of turning 51. Happy Birthday!
September 1st, 2010 at 9:30 amWow! Loved this post. Next Wednesday I turn 40. This is something I hope to live too. You are an inspiration. Hope you have a fabulous birthday!
September 1st, 2010 at 9:35 amKim
I like your fresh attitude. I’m with you on this. B
September 1st, 2010 at 11:56 amRight ON!!! Embrace Life! I love how you stated that you’d move around instead of sitting in the same place so you can meet new people and listen to the disagreeing to learn why they do so. Praise GOD! I already posted on FB to you, but, I’ll post here too.. Happy Birthday Suzie!
September 1st, 2010 at 1:12 pmHi Suzie,
September 6th, 2010 at 7:25 pmI absolutely LOVE your attitude!!! I was also happy when I turned 30 because I felt more settled (I already had 2 kids) and was walking with the Lord, where I hadn’t been in my twenties. I am now 35 and God has really put on my heart to begin taking care of myself better so that I can fully walk in the calling He has for me. I am so encouraged by this post and your positive attitude about how you are enjoying where you are. You are a beautiful young woman who is an encouragement to many!! Thank you
May you have an amazingly blessed birthday month!! May the Lord increase in your life! May this year be the best one yet and I pray that you enjoy every step of the journey! Love and blessings to you Suzie!