7:10 pm, February 24, 2016

I am officially 50.

A lot of people were asking me what #50 would be. I’ve known for a few months but I kept it pretty quiet. I think a lot of people were expecting something really crazy, like jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. No such luck. The craziest thing I have done is turn 50 with a smile on my face. The whole reason for this crazy year was to not cower from a number or let it define me. Instead, I would redefine myself and hit the age of 50 head on and hard, holding nothing back. I’m pretty sure “50” never knew what hit it after this year.

I think I can pretty safely say I did that. I woke up this morning, 50, and smiled. I thought about the year, and the things I’ve accomplished up to now and I was proud. I have more to do, but now I’m saying yes to adventure more and I’m watching as my life gets bigger while before it was starting to get smaller.

I have a group of amazing people around me – people who lift each other up instead of cutting each other down. This is contagious. I feel lifted up and I lift those around me. I have tested my fears and, maybe not defeated, but I’ve acknowledged them and nudged them to make them smaller. I have done things that are heartfelt, frightening, sad, silly, impulsive, creative, and out of my norm. It’s been an excellent year.

The whole purpose, though, was to hit 50 with a grin on my face and a life that is expanding rather than contracting. I think I’ve accomplished this and more. In a few days I’ll do a recap of the year.

For now, though, I’m going to have a glass of wine with my mom – best roommate ever. I celebrate my birthday today but I always remember it’s Mother’s Day to her. 50 years ago we were in Meadow Lake, SK, and our adventure together was just beginning. I believe I hear the sound of wine being poured and we will be watching Thor tonight because it’s one of the many things we love to do together.

Happy birthday, to me!