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