So I turned 50 yesterday, Do I feel older and wiser today than I felt yesterday? Did my body suddenly start feeling achy today? The aches, wisdom and wrinkles are slowly but surely coming along whether I like it or not. Instead of complaining, I have learnt to embrace it all, grey hair, cellulite and everything else! So how do I feel today? I feel vibrant inside and intelligent enough to have a conversation with anyone on any topic. I can dance the night away, albeit with insoles in my shoes! it is an opportunity to think , to reflect upon life till this point. Achievements, regrets, relationships, good and the those that went south, people who came for a reason or for a season!
I am grateful for the gift of turning 50, there are many who don’t get to this point, their journey is shorter.
I am grateful to my parents, who made me what I am today , without their love and nurture, I would not be who I am. I have realized that time with them is precious and limited, spend as much time as possible.
I am grateful for the education that I received in school and college. Without that education, I wouldn’t have the ability to think and put down my thoughts or write this blog, Thankful to the teachers who came along and shaped my thinking and imagination.
I am grateful to my husband of almost 28 years. Met him as a teenager in High School and now we are both 50! What a journey it has been. Would be wrong to say it has been great the whole time, there have been lots of rocky moments and curve balls that life threw at us. So many uncertainties in the early part of our marriage and career. Been through so much together, cant think of anyone else I would rather spend my life with.His sense of humor keeps things interesting at home!
I am grateful for my daughter, who brought love into our lives. She brought about intense emotions that only a child can evoke in a parent. I am talking pride, possessiveness, protective instincts that you don’t even know you have till you become a parent.
I am grateful for my friends. As I looked around the room, I saw people who loved me, cared for me enough to plan a party for months for me, cared for me enough to come together to celebrate my milestone. I have to thank Sabita and Madhu from the bottom of my heart for planning, cooking and having the most awesome party for me. It is wrong to say they are my friends, they are actually my family, my support system.This room full of people is my family.
I am grateful for my family back home, who take time out of their busy lives, when I visit India. The family dinners with siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews all make the trip so much more memorable.
Lessons learnt over the years –
I don’t like negativity and negative people. I can and always find good in people. I want to grow this trait more and appreciate everyone.
I want to do what makes me happy. I wanted to start a blog, so a few months back, with zero technical abilities and skill I did just that. It made me happy.
I want to challenge my mind and my limits.
I have learnt that words are sometimes more painful than physical pain. Use words carefully, once uttered they can never be taken back!
I have always believed in the cycle of Karma, more so now, because I have seen enough to know that you reap what you sow.
Regrets –
I regret not getting my masters degree.
I regret being pushed around and not saying No enough. I have become stronger and learnt to stand my ground.
So with gratitude in my heart and wisdom of a 50 year old, I am thankful to be celebrating this milestone with family and friends who truly care. I look forward to many more milestones and the journey according to me just got more interesting. Thank you to all who have been a part of this journey.
Here are some pictures of the fun afternoon
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