So I turned myself to face me
But I’ve never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I’m much too fast to take that test
-Changes, David Bowie
I turn 50 today.
Many of my friends have turned 50 recently, and it’s been interesting to see how they chose to mark the occasion. For some, it was a party. Others went on a trip. And then there was the “statement” (bag/shoes/jewelry) purchase. And still others just had a quiet dinner with family.
I’ve obviously been thinking about this day for a while – between my own anticipation and the invariable “so how are you celebrating?” questions from family and friends. There seems to be an unspoken rule that a “decade” birthday should be celebrated in a BIG way. And 50 is a pretty big number, to be sure.
I knew I didn’t want a party. A trip away would have been wonderful, but not at all possible. And a statement purchase? A definite “maybe”.
Around this time I had also been revisiting my Mighty Life List, as it had been just about a year since I wrote it.
And it was like my worlds collided – in my head.
It was so interesting to see how it had evolved over the course of one short year. How many things I had already crossed off (The Stones! Biking around Manhattan!). But there were also the things I decided to cross out. As in, take off the list completely. It was liberating to decide, yeah, I no longer have any interest in doing this, and just cross it off. Which only makes me appreciate my experience at Camp Mighty even more. That “the list” had become more than just a collection of stuff. That I was using it as a tool to keep track of my goals, and revel in accomplishing them.
The list has also encouraged me to be mindful of new challenges that I wanted to add, especially as I enter this next decade. And there were a few. Mostly changes that I’ve known, in my heart, were the necessary ones for me to make for myself but I just never went ahead and made them. Changes that – on paper anyway – are so small, so easy (certainly easier than my 3-mile run I trudge through), yet really so big.
It’s time. Time to face me and make those changes. I’m ready. No one but me knows what they are, and no one but me will feel the effects, but that’s what makes this so challenging. Because there will be no one but me to be accountable to. No one will know if I’ve “done it” or not. I’ve decided put myself up there the way I do with so many others I feel the need to be responsible to/accountable for, and start answering to myself for a change.
So there’s that :: inserts Breaking Bad reference :: but I plan on checking some other things off the list in 2014 too:
I will officially shut down my landscape design business. #39
I will treat myself once a month to a spa “something” for a whole year (many thanks to my parents and my Vogels for taking care of the first two months!). #55
I will conquer my fear of the Statue of Liberty. #47
And finally, I decided to mark this birthday by capturing my family as we are right now. Mike and I both turning 50. Noah turning 5. Chelsea graduating from college, and Conor finishing his last year of high school. We were so lucky to connect with a wonderful photographer who really “got us”, and she did an amazing job.
I couldn’t love this picture – or my family – more.
And there was, at the end of the day, a statement purchase (hey, a girl’s gotta look good heading into her twilight years, no?).
Thanks so much for sharing this space – and my birthday – with me.
And you know what? Funyons ARE awesome.
Time may change me, but I can’t trace time. xo
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Hi! I'm Sheri!
Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!
Happiest of Days!
Thank you Sara! xo
Love the family photo. Love your statement purchase. And love you. Happy birthday Sheri. I can’t wait to see what this 50th year brings for you. I know it’ll be awesome. XO.
YOU’RE awesome my friend. Thank you. xo
Ah, I love this. Happy birthday, Sheri! xoxox
Thank you Lacy! xoxo
Sounds like you are celebrating just right. Love the family photo!! It’s a great way to stop time for a moment and remember it forever. This will be your best year yet. xoxo
Thank you Leslie! SO happy to call you friend. xo
Happy Birthday my friend. Wish I was closer to celebrate it with you. I miss you! We need to Skype and catch up – just after New Years?
Yes! To all of it! xo
Happy Birthday Sheri and welcome to the “5” club. Having now been a charter member for 3 years I can tell you it’s not so bad! The anticipation of turning 50 is much harder than being 50 — so enjoy an d know that you look maahvelous!!!
Thank you Cindy – nice to know I’m in such good company! xo
Happy, happy birthday! I love what you’ve said here, about goals and life and moving forward. You have such a beautiful family. And holy heck, that jacket is super awesome. You deserve all of it my dear. Cheers!
Aw thanks Elizabeth – you’re the best! xoxo
Once again, a very happy birthday dear friend. Love this post and the changes you’ve outlined. But never ever change the genuine and loving person you’ve always been. xo
Love you Dane. xo
Happy B’day Sheri!! Thank you for the gift of taking us along on your journey !
Thanks for joining me! xo
So happy to have begun knowing you now. A Very Merry Birthday to you. Aren’t we the lucky ones having babies at 45 and 46. Keeping us young. Yay for family photos and spa stuff and spending.
Love,
Shalagh
PS Truth, I had a craving for onion powdered flavoring goodness when I started reading you post. Before I got to your declaration of love for Funyons.
Ha! Loved this! So happy to know you too Shalagh!
well the family pic is awesome and i hope your birthday is as well
Thank you so much – and yes, it was! 🙂
Whoa, happy belated birthday! Have fun making changes – I actually love a good life change 😉 It can make it seem like you’re getting a whole other life to play with!
Thanks so much Christa!xo