1. Oh my god I had NO IDEA! You look so much younger! (gratifying)
2. The other side of 50 is even better. (reassuring)
3. Time to break out the Metamucil, colonoscopies, AARP card. (annoying)
Birthdays can have so much attached, especially one that has come to have such social significance. I remember thinking 50 was ancient when I was younger and yet here I am, staring it down and I don't feel any different.
The number doesn't matter. Who I am and what I do does.
2 weeks before I turned 30 I graduated from art school.
Right as I turned 40 my publishing projects started to take off.
Heading into 50 I'm taking on leadership of the PTA at the biggest school in the country, an opportunity to hone my communication, fundraising and community building skills. And who knows what that will bring with it.
Birthdays are convenient ways to take stock of where I've been and where I'm heading. Nice to stop for a moment to look back and then forward. And after that to be here.
I'm proud of what I've done. Nervous and excited to live what's next. And, as always, grateful for the here and now.
