Life begins...

There are two views of becoming 50. The pessimists will say that life has passed them by and it’s downhill from here. The optimists regard the number and quote the old phrase “Life begins at 50!”. So, who am I? Well, I decided, when I turned 50 last month, that on reflection I had done somewhat of a good job so far, but there was still much to achieve in my life, and being 50 is where it ‘begins’ again for me.

I am Deborah. I am an ordinary British woman who in her life so far has achieved a fair bit - most of it in the last 20 years. When I turned 50, I wrote in my journal the things that I was most proud of in my lifetime:

Raising two beautiful, talented children, who have gone on to be independent and confident. They are finding their feet in today’s world and discovering the ups and downs of being adults, and they are coping well and are happy – that’s all I could have asked for. 

Marrying (30 years ago!) the love of my life.

Having two loving parents, who, despite their break-up, continued to support me and be part of my life. I lost my dad 7 years ago this month. I have regrets, of course, but I also have some great memories. Luckily my mum is close by and still holds the baton for Team Deb! 

Achieving a First-Class degree in my early 30’s whilst raising two children, working part-time and running a home.

Having a good career and working my way up to the top of the ladder. Although this turned out not to be the best thing for me, people had faith in me and I gained skills along the way. And on the back of it... 

I became self-employed last year – aged 49!

These are just some of my big achievements, there are small ones too. Whatever I have done I am grateful for having had the opportunity.

But now that I am 50, it’s time to think about the coming years. I guess I am an optimist, but that comes from wanting to do things I haven’t yet done. I feel like the next 10 years will be exciting! I recently had lunch with my very good friend, S – a belated birthday lunch. She presented me with a golden bag of goodies for the ‘Golden Girl’ – “not only is this your golden anniversary", she said, "but you have golden hair and your wedding dress had touches of gold too. You are the Golden Girl!". I’d like to thank her for the inspiration for this blog!

Photo: sharon-mccutcheon-522397-unsplash

So, this blog is about being 50 – the trials and tribulations, and also the plans and successes. This is about my life, my whole life, and how I am going to get the best from it. It will cover topics of interest to other Golden Girls, so please join my adventure through this fantastic time and let me know about you too! We are all in this together – UNITED!

Deborah

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending” – C.S. Lewis.