My 50th birthday is in a few days and I must say that I’m not overjoyed. This is a milestone that I’ve dreaded for many years and with every birthday since my 40th, I’ve tried to hold back the hands of time. I remember looking at my mother, grandmother, aunts and many other women in my life when they were in their 50s and I would think to myself that they were so much older than me! I rememeber thinking that I couldn’t imagine being in that age group. It was unreal to me and seemed so far away.
Needless to say, 50 is happening whether I like it or not. With that being said, I’ve come to the conclusion (after much thought, inner conflict and denial) that if I have to age, I might as well do it with confidence, grace and a great sense of humor! I certainly don’t feel 50 so why should I sit down and become the woman that I always envisioned when thinking of someone in this age bracket? Instead, I plan to focus how enjoyable my life is right now and how fortunate I am to have reached this point in my life. Turning 50 doesn’t mean I have suddenly jumped into another time zone, it is a time to celebrate being alive and accept that I have years of experience and wisdom behind me. After all, age is just a number!
In conclusion, I’d like to say that I recently received something in the mail with “Happy Birthday” on the outside of the envelope. I was excited because I thought it was a birthday card, although I didn’t know who it was from. I opened it with anticipation of birthday wishes from a friend or family member only to discover an invitation to join AARP. 
… I just have to say…AARP, I realize the intentions are good, but please…take me off the mailing list! 
**UPDATE: I have decided that AARP had the BEST of intentions and I would be happy to join the tribe!
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