I don’t know what 50 is supposed to feel like.
Sure, it’s a milestone birthday, but am I supposed to feel “old”? I don’t.
Tired? Yes—but that’s nothing new!
Milestone birthdays often bring reflection, and turning 50 feels like a big one. Half a century! That’s no small feat.
Feeling like I need to do something, I’m left wondering, am I expected to skim through my mental rolodex of memories, life lessons, and experiences and suddenly feel wise or significant? Maybe?
One thing’s for sure: life has been full of lessons—some learned the hard way—and the journey has been a tapestry of grit, connection, purpose, and growth.
Chatting with friends and family, a few common themes stand out.
First, the desire for genuine connection. As we get older, connection shifts from surface-level commonalities to deeper alignment with values and respect.
And finally, grit—the quiet strength that helps us weather life’s storms with resilience and determination.
Then there’s purpose—finding it, living it, and redefining it as life evolves. Writing it makes it seem so easily, like a box to be checked off. But I find this one challenging – often a moving target!
While I’m not here to hand out life advice, I’ll share three big observations (or maybe they are more guiding principles or mantras) that have shaped my journey and take centre stage for me.
Take what resonates and leave the rest. After all, this is your path to walk.
Be Fully Present
Being fully present is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those around you.
I don’t mean simply showing up physically. It’s easy to be there in body, but the challenge lies in bringing your whole mind and spirit into the moment.
Forget the grocery list, the unread emails, and that frustrating driver who made you late. Be here, now.
We live in a world that glorifies being busy. Multitasking is worn like a badge of honor, but the truth is, it’s a myth. Studies show multitasking increases stress, leads to mistakes, and actually reduces productivity.
Instead, focus on one thing at a time. You’ll achieve more and experience less stress. And when you’re with others, they’ll feel your full presence—a rare and cherished gift in today’s distracted world.
Commit to showing up wholeheartedly. Whether you’re with others or by yourself, give your whole self to the moment.
Call it mindfulness, engagement, or simply being present. Whatever the term, just do it. You deserve it, and so do the people in your life.
Make Someone Else Feel Good
This isn’t about people-pleasing or neglecting your boundaries. It’s about recognizing that kindness—genuine, thoughtful kindness—can brighten someone’s day and make the world a little better.
A simple smile, a compliment, or a heartfelt “thank you” can mean more than you realize. It costs nothing but can have a ripple effect.
Gratitude also plays a big role here. By expressing gratitude, we acknowledge the efforts of others, whether they expect recognition or not. It’s a small act that fosters connection and appreciation.
Studies even link acts of kindness to better health and self-esteem. A friendly text, a helping hand, or a genuine compliment benefits both the giver and the receiver. It’s a win-win.
An important note on this one!
*Don’t forget to extend kindness to yourself. The words you speak to yourself matter.
Celebrate your wins, big and small, and surround yourself with supportive voices—even if that’s your favorite podcast.
Cultivate Grit
Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. But if you have grit, you can weather the storm.
Grit brings a level of perspective that’s hard to achieve otherwise. It enables you to evaluate situations without excuses and face challenges head-on.
For me, grit isn’t about blind optimism or stubbornness. It’s about knowing your priorities, seeing situations for what they are, and letting go of limiting beliefs.
Grit allows you to view challenges from new angles and pivot when necessary. Changing tactics doesn’t mean changing your goals.
Grit is also about staying true to yourself. Ideally, this includes values like kindness, compassion, and mindfulness. These qualities complement grit, giving you the strength to persevere while maintaining your humanity.
Life will test you, but grit helps you stay grounded and focused.
Lessons That Last
As I flip through my mental rolodex of life lessons, everything seems to circle back to these three truths: be present, be kind, and cultivate grit.
When we show respect and kindness to ourselves and others, and approach challenges with grit, everything else falls into place.
Being mindful helps us notice the little things, express gratitude, and connect deeply with others.
Grit gives us the resilience to keep going when the going gets tough.
We’re all just people, trying our best. Some of us have our purpose figured out, others are still searching, and many of us drift in and out of knowing. Purpose doesn’t have to be a grand mission.
For me, it’s about leaving a positive impact on the people around me. Maybe that’s enough. As Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What’s Next?
So, what can you do today to connect with others, show grit, and make someone feel good? Don’t forget to include yourself in the equation.
Cheers to 50 years, and here’s to many more moments of connection, kindness, grit, and purpose.
Thanks for checking this out!