It’s surprising how much emotion this phrase, ’50 is the new 40′, sometimes creates. Has it become a cliche? Perhaps. Is is inaccurate? Well,yes and no. When I met with Meredith Vieira and a few other 50-something gals on the Today Show recently, the theme was, “50 – Living it, Loving It’. The conclusion seemed to be that – surprise of surprises – being a 50-year old woman is kinda – awesome. A little bit scary, maybe, and the landscape is dotted with challenges, but overall rather wonderful.
For me, turning 50 was a big milestone. Ididn’t even realize how big until I got there! I wasn’t fearful of turning 50, it was just rather -well, a surprise! I didn’t have a party or a celebration - actually my best 50th birthday gift was the cake my boys made for me – a homemade chocolate sheet cake with 50 slash marks in frosting! Once I cleared that hurdle, it was like a weight lifted off me.
For me, the phrase ‘fifty is the new forty’ is simply a reminder of how much further we have come from, say, my mother’s time. My milestone 50th birthday meant some freedom – to travel if I like, to go back to school, to change jobs or start a business Not that I can do any of those things at the moment, but the possibilities are endless compared to what they used to be.
So, simply put…”50 it the new 40″ is just a phrase. That’s all. Maybe it describes you, maybe not. But in all honesty, I’m delighted that’s the case!
3 Comments
I will be 50 in May. I also am not worried about it. I am embracing it for what it is. I love being here and the experience I bring with me. 40 was great and a decade of growth and change. This decade can be whatever I want it to be – I believe we are even more empowered than our mothers were at 40 and I know I am healthier and happier than my own mother sadly was. I think if you are in a good place emotionally age really doesn’t matter. Heck, you can’t change it. Enjoy!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Louise! I’m with you…can’t change it, so give it all you’ve got!
My 50′s have been the most exciting years of my life! I remarried, started not one but two new careers. We moved to the southwest which has been a dream of mine for years, and my relationship with my son (now an adult) has never been better. Are there challenges? Certainly!
2 Trackbacks
[...] age is 40 but I’m working on that) but the mindset is that of a 30-something. did find this article when I Googled the phrase “Is 50 the new 40?” The hosting site by the same name was a [...]
[...] age is 40 but I’m working on that) but the mindset is that of a 30-something. did find this article when I Googled the phrase “Is 50 the new 40?” The hosting site by the same name was a [...]