I turned 50 four years ago and, honestly, I’ve had more fun, joy and peace in my life than I can ever remember, not to mention the amount of laughter, too! I find myself not only laughing at myself and some of the things I manage to get myself into, but also at some sitcoms that are nearly 20 years old. For instance, I absolutely LOVE the King of Queens. That show ran from 1998 to 2007. I do vaguely remember watching it occasionally from 1998 – 2005, but never after that. And I NEVER remember laughing.  Well now it feels as though I’ve rediscovered it and I find myself laughing so hard until tears are rolling down my cheeks!

The King of Queens is only one example of rediscovery for me. It’s less about the show and more of a reflection on who I’ve become and what is funny to me. If I think back, I was married during those years 1998-2007 – with the exception of my kids, there wasn’t a whole lot that made me laugh or happy! Now, in addition to my children, there’s a LOT that makes me happy and laughter comes really easy for me. Wow, who knew that my 50’s would be some of the best days of my life!  And you know what else I’ve discovered?

1. I have truly discovered the importance of humor. Having a sense of humor will get you through just about anything.
2. I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. Things ALWAYS work out the way they’re meant to.
3. I dress exactly the way I like. I’ve discovered and accepted my own style and embrace it. I’m not concerned about what someone else thinks about my outfit or my hairstyle.
4. I’ve discovered that people really DON’T want to hear the truth, even when they say they do. But I say it anyway.
5. I have reinvented myself several times and each time, I like the new me more and more!
6. I used to wonder if people liked me. Now I wonder if I like them!
7. Yep, I’ve been hurt, betrayed and disappointed. So what? I’m a survivor and a warrior and I’ve kept it moving and I’ve not only survived, I’ve thrived!
8. I’ve discovered how to let things go and choose my battles carefully. I don’t need to put out all the fires. Instead, I can just sit and watch stuff burn and eat popcorn.
9. I am more compassionate and more accepting of myself and others because I know what it feels like to be on the other side of that.
10. I trust my intuition now more than ever before. It’s stronger and I pay attention to the little voice inside of me. I no longer shrug it off and disregard it.
11. The filter between my brain and my mouth has become very thin, so I tend to say exactly what is on my mind.
12. I’ve learned how to say NO, with no explanation behind it.
13. I’ve learned the importance of keeping a promise.
14. I’ve discovered the importance of embracing and welcoming change. It’s usually ALWAYS for the best.
15. I know that it is imperative to move outside of your comfort zone many times because that’s when you really grow.
16. I’ve learned to depend on me.
17. I’ve finally realized that even if I never wrote another word, sentence or paragraph, that I, alone, am enough.
18. I know the importance of mutual respect, reciprocity and balance in all relationships: family, friends and romance.
19. I date whoever I want to – his age is unimportant. I have simply decided to be in the company of people who make me laugh and feel good. That quickly eliminated a lot of prospects. Kick rocks!
20. I live my life perfectly imperfect and I’m more than okay with that.
21. I have an intimate and personal relationship with my Creator, but I don’t go to church at all. And I’m not ashamed to share that fact with anyone who invites me to their churches. Thank you, but no thanks!
22. I can now be a mother AND friend to my daughters. I’ve raised, taught and guided them. Now I can have a glass of wine with them and talk about men and sex! I especially like that because now they’re the ones who are uncomfortable when they find out that I still have it!
23. Sex in my 50’s is more satisfying and delightfully delicious than at any other time in my life. I know what I like, what I don’t and I don’t mind telling my lover.
24. I blame a lot of things on menopause…and it usually works!
25. I’m more physically active than I was in my 30’s and 40’s.
26. I don’t have to have the last word anymore. I’m not going to convince you that I’m right. You’ll figure it out.
27. If I’m wrong, I’ll figure it out and will admit it.
28. I’ve finally discovered that my self worth and value are not connected to the type of work that I do or how much money I earn.
29. Being in my 50’s – condoms are strictly for safe sex, not the prevention of pregnancy. Thank God that time has passed!
30. I’ve realized that, although I like having one around,  I do not have to have a man in my life to make me happy. I got to happy all by myself, so whatever man is lucky enough to win my heart will be getting quite a catch!
31. I’ve discovered that in my 50’s, my face is actually more interesting and defined than it was in my 20’s and 30’s, or even 40’s. My laugh lines are deeply etched, but my frown lines aren’t. I’m thankful.
32. I am finally doing the thing that I was born to do – write. I don’t write for an audience, I write for me.
33. I’m not searching for my purpose or who I am. I already know.
34. I’ve discovered that many young men find me irresistible and sexy. I’ve found out that the feeling is mutual!
35. I realize that most men my own age or older bore the hell out of me. There ARE exceptions, but that’s because they have sexy swag and a youthful spirit!
36. I have also discovered that many men my own age are less likely to approach me – maybe they don’t like me – I don’t know and don’t care!
37. I don’t compare myself to other women, especially younger women. I don’t need to. I’m more than okay with who I am.
38. I am okay with not knowing all the answers. I can now say “I don’t know” and leave it at that.
39. I don’t respond to every ache or pain in my body. Most of them mysteriously appear and disappear. I don’t give them any special attention and I keep it moving.
40. I’ve also discovered that sometimes saying nothing is the best response to ignorance and criticism. Silence speaks volumes!
41. Spending time alone is gift that I give to myself regularly.
42. I realize that I do not need a lot of “things” to be happy. I have learned to live very simply and within my means.
43. I look forward to having grandchildren one day. I’m going to be the coolest grandmother on the planet!
44. I understand that you can’t love everyone, you can’t be friends with everyone and that some people really do not deserve your friendship, loyalty or love. Some people need to be removed from your life.
45. I don’t feel guilty about number 44 at all!
46. I have come to realize that tomorrow is always another chance to start again.
47. I  can spot a fake a mile away, and once I spot one, a mile away is where I keep them! I do not entertain drama queens or attention seeking, needy, narcissistic superficial people. They will suck the life and energy force out of you!
48. I’m exactly where I should be in MY life.
49. I realize that I define myself and I don’t allow others to do that for me.
50. As I look back over this list, I realize that being in my 50’s is REALLY a fabulous place to be and that the best is yet to come!

What are some of the things you have discovered or enjoy about being in your 50’s or older? Feel free to leave comments. I look forward to reading them!

Photos: Courtesy of Stock Photos.