INTERVIEW: The Ride to 50 and 5Os

Turning 50 and the 50s ride comes differently for people. some embrace it, some are in denial and have struggles accepting the golden age. It was a mixed grill for me, even though I celebrated with friends and family, a major part of me was really glad, grateful and thankful for life. I also had this feeling of anxiety-like old age seemed to be creeping in and I was anxious about the changes that would come, like wrinkles, greys, I was concerned that I may not be my active self, and I even started using a particular bible verse that God will renew my youth and I will stay ageless like the sun stood still for Joshua in the Bible. I still pray for my youth to be renewed but I will tell you how I overcame my anxieties which thinking about them now makes me laugh. 

But before I tell you, these are some replies I got from friends on their turning 50experience.

 ANONYMOUS A

Question: How did you feel about turning 50? 

I don't remember how I felt.

How do you now feel in your 50s? 

Liberating, children grown and responsible for themselves, especially financially (except the youngest who's still in school and needs financial assistance). More financial freedom, Exhilarating. On the other hand, adult children out there on their own in different cities from you, so you worry about their safety and decisions/choices. You pray even more so that it is well with them daily. You pray for the daughters for good husbands, to be settled in their own matrimonial homes. You pray A lot. 

But I sure love the freedom.

Do you have any kind of anxiety?

Anxieties.

Definitely, parents are in the last years of their lives, so you are anxious, wondering when you will receive that call. Siblings on one hand are misbehaving, so you get pulled into that. Sometimes having to render financial assistance.

Grappling with 2nd or 3rd marriage situation and it's accompanying stress of stepchildren and his family members, but then you're not as stressed because the door is always open (as in been there, done that).

All of the above attitude if you're financially independent.

  ANONYMOUS B

How did you feel when you turned 50?

First of all, I was very grateful to God for keeping me alive and healthy to see 50. 

50 used to look far away then, but here we are. I have never been one of those afraid of growing older, so for me it's cool.

I have expectations that had not fully been met yet, but I have come to realize from my relationship with God that His ways are far far higher than mine and as I put my trust in Him, looking unto Him, all things will work out for my good.

On that very day, my friends along with my darling husband gave me a surprise party with lovely gifts, as one by one each of them wrote some lovely things about me, and I was like, Wow, all this for me, I really felt special, and I know it was God's way of showering me with His Love.

Funny enough just last night I saw some of the cards I got and I just smiled.

Do u still feel the same way you felt now u are in your 50s? Do u have concerns about the wrinkles, the greys sometimes?

Sometimes I look at my face in the mirror and wonder how funny life is, but then, this also is part of ageing, so for me I accept it gracefully. Personally, the greys have never bothered me until my sisters mentioned it and advice me to dye my hair, which I do sometimes.

 ANONYMOUS C

How did you feel when you turned 50?

Undescribable really, I was excited like really I am entering the golden age, But not feeling old and feeling very grateful too. I was actually in Euston on the way to Vegas as part of the celebration, So I had friends and family around and calling in.

Did you at any point feel a bit anxious about getting old?

I don't know if I should use the word anxious but of course the thought came like you are getting old o!

ANONYMOUS D

How did u feel about getting to 50?

Still a few years to 50.

Okay so how do u feel about getting to 50?
Mixed feelings... but trying to stay optimistic that still have my best years ahead, had a different picture in mind as to where I'd be and what I'd be doing at 50... Alas  🤷🏽‍♀️

ANONYMOUS E

How did u feel about getting to 50?

I can’t seem to remember. 

The only thing I know and feel is trying to make sure I am healthy, the need to work on my physical appearance. 

Before then I was thinking of ways to improve myself in terms of education even if it is not acquiring a degree,📜 to be more knowledgeable about things around. 

I started with counselling but dropped out, but the few years I had on the course, I learnt a lot. 

Being 50 comes with its own pressure, I get more conscious of the inner body reactions, heat flushes, at present I am itchy. 

I think my expectations and desires have changed as well. I find myself very accepting of people and I try to keep those I love dearly more to my heart. So I don’t feel hurt easily as I use to, my sexual libido has decreased, I realised I don’t even miss much of intimacy which of course has been absent in my marriage for20years. 

In retrospect, I want to be myself. I will really like to be more of me than being more of a wife, mother and carer. It feels sometimes that I have wasted a lot of time being someone else. Catching up seems near but far.

MY TAKE

I overcame the anxieties by being even more thankful and embracing myself. I looked at the mirror and saw a very beautiful woman entering a whole new phase of her life, and appreciated all the milestones, enjoying each day and exploring my inner gifts. So enjoy the ride guys and take each day at a time, find ways to look and feel good about yourself, and just enjoy each day, Be kind, Eat healthy,  Take walks, explore your inner gifts waiting to burst for expression, volunteer and surround yourself with positive people and vibes. Meditate daily on God's word.

Sometimes when you sit down for a long while and feel those little leg cramps as you want to stand up, just do it slowly and gracefully like you are about to open an umbrella. If you need to dye your hair, please by all means do so. Just do you and whatever makes you happy.

HAPPY RIDE YOU ALL.