Today, I hit the big 5-4, and guess what? The morning is off to the perfect start. The house is whisper-quiet. Blaine’s off to work, Grayson’s started his school day, Caleb’s deep into his college life, and Nike, our furry friend, is kicking off her marathon of naps. And me? I’m soaking up the silence.
I’m cozied up in my office, a coffee (okay, mostly cream) in one hand, surrounded by a sea of books, notebooks, and, yes, an army of sparkly pens. As I sip and ponder over turning 54, I’ve had this eye-opening thought—I’m not just aging; I’m upgrading to my bold new self.
By now, I’ve got the whole saying ‘no’ thing down to an art, just as much as I do saying ‘yes.’ I proudly wear my “I speak my mind because it saves time” attitude like a medal. The days of walking on eggshells and biting my tongue? Long gone. My words, once carefully picked, now roll off my tongue with the confidence of someone who’s found her tribe—the ones who get me, no explanations needed.
This freedom isn’t just about the words I choose or ditching high heels for the bliss of flats and flip-flops (though, let’s not underestimate that joy). It’s about surrounding myself with people who lift me up, challenge me, and aren’t put off by my snarky humor. We’re a tight-knit gang of dreamers and doers, proving that fun definitely doesn’t have an expiration date.
And hey, let’s chat about the big change this fall—empty nesting with my hubby. Far from being blue, I’m thrilled, like a kid before summer break. This year, I’m more than just the mom who taught her kids to soar; I’m ready to fly myself. There’s a book inside me, eager for its turn in the spotlight. And now’s the perfect time.
I’m all in for making memories with friends and family, making each moment count. In the hustle of life, I’m hitting pause more often—savoring laughter over dinner, movie nights, and lazy weekend get-togethers that seem to stretch forever. It’s about those unforgettable moments, connections, and the simple joy of being with my favorite people.
And letting go of the old stuff? It’s like a breath of fresh air. Each year, I get better at clearing out what doesn’t matter—old grudges, clothes that tell of days gone by—making room for the new. It’s not just freeing; it’s a gift to myself, acknowledging that it’s okay to release the heavy stuff to make room for new heights.
So here I am, at 54, on the brink of new adventures, not with fear but with a heart bursting with excitement. This isn’t just another year; it’s a blank canvas ready for the bold colors of my dreams and the paths I’ve yet to explore.
At 54, I’m not just getting older—I’m stepping into my own, embracing the freedom and joy this chapter brings, and I’m absolutely loving it. Here’s to the year ahead, to the stories I’ll write, the friendships that’ll grow deeper, and to living life exactly as I want. Cheers to 54!