It is funny how time rolls on. Some days seem really fast and other times months seem like years. The past few years have gone by really fast for me. And before I realized it I am heading towards 60 really quick. Wow….When You are Fifty and Over…
For me, I look at it like 50 is the new 30. And 60 is the new 40. Even though I am older than 50, I am capable of doing pretty much everything I did when I was that age. Probably even better, now.
I mean, really, would YOU want to go back to your teens and 20s? Not me. AT ALL. I am so much smarter, wiser, experienced and self-confident. Don’t get me wrong. I still make mistakes. I still have problems arise, and I still have a lot to learn.
There are some faults that I still have. Like maybe judging people too quickly. Worrying about things that I can’t do anything about. Eating too many sweets. Not praying enough. And jumping to conclusions. Hmmm… I honestly thought I would be rid of these faults or idiosyncrasies by now. But I haven’t. I am a work in progress on a daily basis.
Things that I do still enjoy like I did in my 20s-now are: Shop, cook, bake, clean the house, plan parties, decorate for holidays, buy presents for others, make crafts, change the style of our home, attend church, work on staying healthy, showing my family how much I love them.
What I did not realize was going to happen as I got older?
Well, first of all I never thought I would gain weight. That sounds silly, doesn’t it? Just about everyone gains weight as they get older. But, for me…I have always been thin. Even when I was pregnant with my babies, I weighed less than I do now. BUT guess what? I did gain weight. Ugh!
I never thought I would move 4 times in a 6 years. That was not my plan. BUT, I did, and I did it well. It was not easy, I gave up my larger home that we built ourselves. We gradually moved into smaller homes, each time. Never did I think I could be content in a tiny condo. But I am.
I never thought I would dress like an old lady. And, I haven’t. I don’t dress like I am in my 20s, but I like to dress trendy, fun and funky.
Patti says
Hi Meegan,
What a great piece. I’d said I always expect things to get easier. Not that they are difficult but I was one of those people that said, when the kids get bigger…. yeah, not so much. However, I feel very blessed to be where I am and who I am, and have so many wonderful people in my life. I have really enjoyed reading about everyone’s journey and thoughts of being 50. Thanks for sharing yours.
Lory at Designthusiasm says
I’m not sure I ever thought about what it would be like to be in my fifties, but I so agree that there’s so many advantages! Most of all is knowing who we are and that you can only get from years of experience. How fun to read about your journey via this blog hop!!
Betsy says
I hear ya! We’re going through the same thing.
I agree, 60 is the new 40!!!
Marie from The Interior Frugalista says
Swooning over the naked cake – so pretty! You and I are close in age and we have been talking about downsizing, possibly to a condo. I never thought, even five years ago, that I would one day say that I wanted to leave this house that we renovated ourselves one room at a time. Simplifying life is where I’m at this stage of life. Nice to see that you are enjoying condo life – gives me hope.
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Meegan I too have gained weight now that I have gone thru menopause. And it doesn’t look like it wants to leave me either. I think this is a great age now! We are free to finally express ourselves now that we have figured out who we really are. There is a certain confidence that comes with wisdom, something that the young ‘uns don’t have. And blogging has been a lifesaver for me who is a little introverted and cannot deal with too much fuss. Stay fabulous and keep on inspiring us with your creations.
FLORENCE @ VintageSouthernPicks says
Hi Meegan!
I love your conclusions about turning 50 and 60. I like how you have approached the topic with your faults, things you enjoy, and what you didn’t realize would happen when you got older. So interesting to read another perspective. I can relate to every one of them! From faults down to what I didn’t realize would happen…although those are different for me. Like you, I certainly wouldn’t want to go back to my teens or 20’s though! And I can relate to gaining weight…ugh. I’m in the process of shedding lbs now. Great post!
Florence (another fiftyandfabber)
Anne says
You look fabulous! And I agree, I never would want to live my teen years over again. I am much more confident than I as back then.
gail says
My life is getting better the closer I get to 60. I believe that as long as we KEEP moving, we’ll be able to stay moving!
I’m not ready to give up anytime soon.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts about being over 50.
gail
Stacey says
This is great Meegan. The best thing is that as we get older, we know it will all be ok – even those unexpected things too.
Like you, I sure as heck did not think I would gain weight. But I am. Honestly, I’m ok with it as long as it’s within reason. Life is too short to always worry about 5 lbs.!!
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this post Meegan, but I also totally related to it. I’d never want to go back to my younger days. I love all the wisdom I have now from living a fabulous life, but with that knowledge I will purposely do everything I can to live a happy and healthy second half of my lifetime. Our best years are ahead of us to spend enjoying ourselves and our beautiful family and friends.
Hugs xxx
Carol, The Red Painted Cottage says
Meegan, I was always tall and skinny up until about 12-14 years ago. Then I don’t have a clue what happened, but I know that weight just likes it where it is. We downsized 3 years ago to a condo. I love it! It’s been great meeting you through this blog hop.
Toni | Small Home Soul says
Oh the weight, this darned weight. I can get the scale to budge 5 pounds and that’s about it. Of course I love the stuff that put it there, and I don’t like to exercise, but still
Other than that I appreciate being 51 in ways I didn’t anticipate. I am content in who I am, confident around other women (most of the time), and I’m glad I don’t have to relive all the mistakes of my youth.
I wish I could halt the wrinkles and the sagging skin but I look at my 83 mom and I see the light in her eyes and how beautiful she is still and I try not to sweat it.
And like you, I’m content lobbing in a small home, less stuff to clean.
Amy @ StowandTellU says
I agree. I can do many things better now than ever. And I ‘m finally learning to say NO to things I don’t really want to do. The weight thing stinks, but I like to stay active to feel better because things hurt now that didn’t used to, lol. You look fabulous Meegan. Keep rocking those cute outfits!!
Jeanie says
How did this happen so fast that we’re almost, well you know – the new 40 ; ) !!! I agree – I would NOT want to go back to my teens, 20s, or even 30s. Life is so much better now!!! And I am so glad that we are friends and I can’t wait to see you again and spend more time with you! You are so talented and inspirational my friend!
Kirstin says
Great post! I need to continue to work on this mindset. While I definitely have some of it down, I tend to second guess myself a lot. and other things…lol.
Cathy says
I am 59 and lost both my parents in the last two years, my beloved mom a few weeks ago. I went from feeling optimistic about this stage of life, to feeling really old and worn out……I need some advice to get thru this. Thank you.