Turning 50…

Today, I am 50 years old.

Over the past few weeks several people have called to see how I am feeling about this milestone.  Some believed I’d be “freaking out.” Others worried I’d be unhappy or some how depressed.  A few of my friends are experiencing the same milestone this year.  “I don’t want to talk about it.” Said one recently.

Huh.

How am I doing with turning 50?  Fan-freakin-tastic.

Really.

First, I woke up this morning.  Yes, just that.  At age 35 I very nearly stopped having birthdays. My father stopped having birthdays at age 52.

I don’t wish away any year, or any day.

Second, I woke up next to my amazing husband. I’m not taking that for granted either. While I sometimes wonder who stole my adorable little twin girls, the amazing nearly full grown teenagers who live our house brought me breakfast in bed.

Each day I try to revel in what is good rather than dwelling in what is difficult.

Since the beginning of 2015, things have been pretty challenging.  Clay’s mom became very ill and passed away and we are still dealing with her house and estate.  Our daughter Grace spent nearly a month home sick with pneumonia.  My business? Well it has been a difficult year so far there too.  But what I love about being a speaker and author is that I have the flexibility to be there when my family needs me, and a lighter than expected schedule meant I could do just that.

Sure, it would be easy to focus on what hasn’t gone according to plan in the last 5 months, or the last 5 decades, but that seems to lack gratitude.  I have a beautiful life with everything I need and a great deal more of what I want than I probably deserve.  That privilege does not go unnoticed and I try to give back in ways that are valuable to others.

So, how do I feel about being 50?  Privileged, grateful, and just peachy thanks.

So, how do you feel about the age you are? Are you focused on what is good or dwelling on what is difficult or not going according to plan?  Today, as a little gift to me… take a moment to list 5 things (one for each of my decades) that are good in your life.

Enjoy the day… I know I will.

Eliz Greene survived a heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins. She is a Motivational Women’s Wellness Speaker who works with busy people to improve heart health, so they can live longer, feel better, and stress less. Eliz is the author of the Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart as well as 3 other books on wellness.