Today is not only the beginning of the final month of 2021, but it also marks the final month of my 49th year on this big ball of mud we call Earth.

Normally I don’t pay much attention to such things, but in 21 days I will celebrate my 50th birthday.

I’m not sure what it’s supposed to feel like to be 50, but with a few minor exceptions, I don’t feel much different than I did when I turned 30. I am grateful beyond words for the many blessings in my life including my good health and the health and happiness of my kids. I have a roof over my head, food in the fridge, and I continue to make strides in my entrepreneurial journey.

The life I’m living as I turn 50 is also not the life I would have envisioned for myself decades ago. That’s not really a bad thing, and I’m grateful that I have learned so much along the way to 50.

What have I learned?

• Kindness is everything
• Relationships matter more than things ever will
• Things are never as bad as they first seem
• The sun always comes up tomorrow (even if it’s behind the clouds)
• It’s possible to be kind but firm
• Self care doesn’t make one selfish
• We can’t control what happens to us, but we absolutely control how we deal with what happens to us
• Hurt people hurt people
• No one gets to dictate how I see myself
• No one deserves to be abused, for any reason, ever
• The most successful people are not necessarily the smartest, richest, or most gifted, they are usually the one’s who don’t give up. They are relentless. Nothing stops them.
• Good health is worth more than any amount of money or possessions

There are lots more things I’ve learned, of course. But those are the heavy hitters. I plan to be able to make an even bigger list when I’m 60, then 70, and beyond. I know learning will never end for me!

The holiday’s are always a time of reflection for me, and I imagine the coming weeks will be even more so as my 50th approaches. On some level’s it’s hard to believe it, it seems like just yesterday the 50 year old people I knew seemed so old! How can I be one of them?

I’m grateful to have made it this far, many people don’t. I’m grateful to be healthy, a little smarter, and still burning with the desire to get the most out of life.

The first 50 have been very interesting. I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned to the next 50!