Welcome to my 50’s. It seems like more and more people are redefining and reinventing themselves as they enter midlife. And yes, I’m one of them! I am joining the bandwagon of women all over the world who are on social media trying to spread inspiration by sharing their stories. Stories of hope, failures and triumphs. You can only imagine how many stories one has when they reach their 50’s. 

There’s a lot of history, and there is a lot of experience. So I decided to use this platform to influence and spread my insights, so I could hopefully touch not just people I know, but for some, I may never meet. 

I’m sure a lot of you who are my age would say, “If we only knew the things we know now, perhaps we would make different or better decisions in our lives”. 

 But nobody really knows. I am that leaf that gets blown into the wind. I’m that whispering wave that hits the seashore. I go with the flow not knowing where the wind would blow. That’s how I describe myself. 

So, as I was reaching my 50th birthday in 2018, I started wondering. I started reflecting and thinking about the past, the present and the future. I tried to find things that would inspire me because this has been proven in my life to bring the motivation and positivity I need. 

I share with my children that finding your inspiration is what will help you set your goals in life. Motivation and energy are two different things. Being inspired will definitely motivate you,  and give you that boost of energy, but a big part of your energy has to come from taking good care of yourself. Like any machine, it cannot do the job if it breaks. And like the old saying goes. “Health is Wealth”

I’ll admit it, there are times when I struggle with just getting through the day. It’s hard to explain but I’m sure a lot of women who are in their menopausal stage are experiencing the same emotional roller coaster I feel. So, I start working from the inside – out. I start with my morning prayer. This is something I’ve learned from my mother. To start the day thanking God that I’m alive and have both feet on the ground! This habit can boost your happiness and productivity. It is truly a powerful and positive feeling to be grateful at the start of your day! 

Take time for yourself in the morning. Establish a positive morning routine. By doing so, you are already setting the tone for the rest of your day. Another helpful thing I do is to go for walks with a friend. The benefits you get from hanging out with real good friends and the healing power of nature is a win-win combination! 

So let me also share that at one point in my life, I was just focused on surviving the day. Just getting through it. Then one day I read something about  “Survival Vs Growth”

I then realized that I am not helping myself. I was just digging myself a hole to fall into depression. I then decided I didn’t want to be in a survival mode. I did not want the path with the least resistance. I wanted to be in a growth mode. It’s better, it’s fulfilling, and it’s what’s good for my sanity. I need meaning! 

I started reading a lot of self help books. You see, I’m the kind of person who wants to know what’s next. Always reinventing, always rediscovering. So why just get through the day? Yes, I was in a rut! Entering my 50’s made me think of the “What could have been and the what should have been” moments in my life.

And that is why I refuse to live the rest of my life not learning and trying new things.

You see, I have so much in me that’s bursting out like a colorful skittles commercial. A radiant colorful rainbow that needs to connect with people. People who would understand and experience the same journey I’m on. 

We can only give the best care to the people we love if we feel love. Just like bringing happiness to others, we can only do that effectively if we are at peace and happy with ourselves. 

Surrounding yourself with positive people is so important. As I got older, I found myself being more accepting to the idea of weeding out negative people in my life. And if these people are hard to avoid, (like family) then tiny small doses of these negatives will do – hopefully making it more manageable.  

You have to tell yourself…. it’s really ok! You need to constantly remind yourself of that. Focusing on the right energy is what’s going to pull you through.

Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. Being kind to others is such an amazing feeling!

 A smile, a nod, even a simple kind gesture to a stranger fills my heart and adds quality to my life. I strongly believe with the saying “What goes around, comes around.” So be kind. 

Be kind to yourself. Now, this doesn’t mean giving yourself permission to sit around and eat donuts all day. Although many of us have different translations of being kind to ourselves…My translation is to quit being hard on myself. Forgive myself. Remove myself from mental clutter and sometimes just stop “doing”. We tend to keep going and doing. Once in awhile we need to undo…. if you know what I mean. 

Take the time off to reflect and connect.

Remember….. Knowledge is from Learning while Wisdom is from Living!