The ultimate F word...

It's official!  I am freakin' F-F-FIFTY!

(THAT F word...haha!)
Yep, you heard (read) correctly!  Half a century old!
Though in Asian culture, time spent in the womb counts so I'm technically 51!

How the heck did THAT happen?!
You know that old saying, "time flies"?  Well, it truly does!

When I was a little girl, 50 looked ancient!  Do you remember thinking that, too?
Even our grade school teachers, in their 20's and 30's, seemed so old!

But now that I'm HERE, I certainly don't FEEL ancient.  

So what exactly does 50 feel like? 

Let's face it, 50 has gotten a lot younger as we have gotten older.

 Maybe it's because our views and fears on aging are so different now, right? 

To celebrate, I was lucky enough to plan a wonderful vacation in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), dancing the week away.  Though I 'worked' 6 of the 7 days as a fitness instructor (teaching Zumba), I had a wonderful time!  Free accommodations, all the food and liquor you can handle, AND bring your spouse at no charge(!)...all in exchange for teaching an hour or two a day...it was too good a deal!  And the perfect getaway to reflect and embrace the BIG 5-0.

There is no better feeling than seeing laughter and joy light up so many faces.  

Who doesn't love music and dancing!  I could do it 24-7!
Though my 50-yr. old joints would need a few squirts from the oil can!

I will cherish these memories for a very long time.

 

Back to the F word...

We also often hear, "age is just a number".

Age is so much more than just a number.  It's your state of mind, your spirit,
your life's journey.  How you live it.

That's what makes you unique...at whatever age.

I certainly don't have it all figured out yet, but I do try to learn from my actions,
and not just go in circles making the same mistakes.

 

I've learned if you have an itch to try something new, go for it!

Don't be afraid to fail. Dream.  Dream BIG!

Accept things you cannot control.  Learn to let go of baggage. 
Easier said than done I know, but, try.

Do more good.  Help others.  Make more friends.  

Realize that family and friends are more valuable than all the riches in the world.

 Appreciate them.  Tell them you LOVE them.  Every day.

Be hopeful.
Soar high.  

Also believe that what you seek seeks you.
 

 And, most importantly, get to know yourself.  Take time out each day and just be.
Meditate, read a book.  Take a walk, or dance like no one is watching. 

 Breathe deep and enjoy each day we are given.

JUST DO IT!

 No, I'm not always this cheerful...ask my family! 
Life gets to me, too...and baffles me at times. 
Yet, it still delights...and I find treasures in the ordinary.

Don't be afraid of dark days. 
They are needed to make us appreciate the bright ones.

If I've learned one worthwhile truth, it's this:
After every storm...

appears a rainbow.

You just have to look for it.  It's there!

So here's to a new chapter and a new saying, "life begins at 50"
WOO-HOO!!!

        Thanks for visiting, friends.  Enjoy your summer!