| In three weeks I will officially turn fifty. | | | | weaknesses and celebrate both. |
| | | | |
| Hard to believe, because I've always been the | | | | I have learned to benevolently hold onto my |
| 'baby' of the family but as they say, 'it is | | | | own core values even if others disagree. A |
| what it is'. | | | | hotheaded gal in the past, I now have learned |
| | | | how to disagree agreeably. I have also |
| A mother of a seven-year-old, I truly enjoy | | | | learned when it's time to walk away; there is |
| G-rated movies, roller-skating and am just as | | | | no sense tying to prove a point to those who |
| excited as my daughter for the latest | | | | disagree. |
| Hard-Rock Theme Park's inception due in our | | | | |
| area next April. In fact I can hardly wait. | | | | I no longer loose sleep over those who do not |
| | | | like me. I have learned that not everyone is |
| I still love 70s rock, walking in the rain | | | | going to like me and that relationships |
| and holidays. | | | | cannot be forced. I have also learned, |
| | | | throughout the years, to respect myself more, |
| I still laugh with 'I Love Lucy', 'The | | | | and not be a doormat for the sake of peace. |
| Munsters' and 'The Honeymooners'. | | | | |
| | | | I have learned to take more risks and not be |
| In fact, in the past thirty years, I've | | | | afraid of failure. I have learned the art of |
| hardly changed. True, there are a few more | | | | waiting and that patience really is a virtue. |
| lines around my eyes, some grey hair that is | | | | I have learned to enjoy life more fully and |
| covered for the sake of vanity and an | | | | more freely. I have learned it is not what I |
| additional fifteen pounds that I promise to | | | | do that is important but who I am that |
| get rid of'...starting tomorrow. | | | | matters. |
| | | | |
| Well, actually, as I further reflect, there | | | | Middle age has equipped me to be a better |
| have been a few more changes.... | | | | person. I now have the wisdom and |
| | | | selflessness that I lacked in my youth which |
| I am no longer indecisive. Experience has | | | | has enabled me to be a better parent. |
| taught me to trust my decisions and to trust | | | | |
| myself. | | | | I have read somewhere that the '50s' |
| | | | represent everything that you are meant to |
| Where I was insecure, I am now secure. I no | | | | be. That excites me and I am ready. I rejoice |
| longer compare myself to others and have | | | | and thank God as I approach this milestone of |
| learned to truly love the woman I have | | | | my life and...as Oprah once said, 'bring it |
| become. I know both my strengths and | | | | on! |