|
This
Millennium affected people in so many different ways. Many were unduly
tense, while some of us had better things to reflect upon. Me, for
example - I was more hyped about the fact that I would turn a milestone
at the beginning of the new Millennium, than the event itself.
I've just turned 50, so obviously, completing half a century without too
many wrinkles means much more to me than a mere thousand years! I
got one birthday card that reads "turning 50 is not old if you're a
tree!". Now here are people who mistakenly think 50 is old and I
believe life begins at 50. It's all in the attitude and
frame of mind.
My
family had planned for this colossal event in my life since last year
when they gave me a fabulous surprise birthday party with all the
works. Idea was to do it all before the "F" word hits home. This
year they prepared me in advance. Keeping in mind the sensitivity
of the age thing (they said this with true political correctness and a
straight face) they were keeping a low profile. So there would be
no cake or major celebrations for my birthday, since I might be awkward
when 50 candles don't fit on a small cake! I went along with them,
feeling too foolish to say that I'd be thrilled to hold the extra
candles or stick them into my ears and that this is the one milestone I
want to definitely record. At the risk of letting them think that I'm
turning shifty at fifty, I did announce that I'm proud to be half a
century old and don't care who knows about it.
The
morning of my birthday, I woke up early to get the newspaper and read
what happens on the day of my birth. I was shocked when I saw the front
yard full of critters - flamingos, sheep, penguins in black ties, cows
and even a pig! There were dozens of balloons but the icing on this cake
was the huge placard out front that read, ISN'T IT NIFTY TO BE
FIFTY? I figure now that the entire neighborhood, school
kids walking by and total strangers know the truth, I may as well share
it with the rest of the world. Incidentally, would anyone like a
ready-made family?
Fact
is - I'm thrilled to be fifty. Not so some of my friends who think that
my confession ages them. Overall I think I've mellowed well, rather like
classy, aged, ripened cheese (without the odor!) I've never felt
healthier than I am now...in my forties, I had developed diabetes and
arthritis - both of which I've licked in the past year. I'm on no
medication and can work an 18-hour day without complaining.
Caring friends keep reminding me that the fifties bring menopausal
worries. "What menopause" says moi, "I'm the toughie who
never had morning sickness or labor pains, so if and when the hot
flashes come, I'll deal with them".
As
a
woman I feel truly fulfilled. I've been a much loved daughter, sister,
friend, wife, mother and I look forward to becoming a grandmother (not
too soon boys). My sister called to wish me and both of us bawled (we
women tend to do this regardless of age). I told her I'm sniffling only
because I'm happy; she said she was feeling emotional and reminded me
that our father did not live to be fifty, while our mother died before
she was 55. That thought sobered me for a while and gave me a
chance to thank God that
I'm alive and well.
One
of the nicest things about turning the half century is that I don't have
to please others anymore i.e. life is no longer a popularity contest.
I
can be my usual foot-in-mouth self without losing sleep about being
diplomatic; honesty means so much more than mere political correctness.
It doesn't matter if everyone doesn't like me - I've learned to like
myself and be at peace with what I do. With age, comes a wonderful sense
of priority, of knowing who and what is the most important ingredient in
our lives. Once we shake off the excess baggage, what is left is pure
delight.
I've
also learnt some valuable lessons in life which I've been wanting to
share. But when you're under fifty and speak wisdom, you're usually
considered precocious; after fifty however, your silly meanderings are
considered pearls of wisdom. For example, not having to live up to
others values, is another great asset to turning fifty. I've learnt that
someone will always have something better or more than I have, so I'm
content. An inner feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction that
comes from not wrestling to look younger, thinner or smarter is a great
virtue to getting older. I'm so happy with myself as I am that I wish I
could have aged earlier.
For
me at age fifty, this Millennium is the dawn of discovery, of finding
out what life holds for me, of chasing my dreams, enjoying genuine
family and friends, plus thousands of days of superb memories to
carry over the next fifty years. I have no regrets and am totally in awe
of life, love and laughter. La Chiem - to life.
|
