Fashionista to Passionista

At 49.5 years of age, I have been on the planet for approximately 18,065 days. WOW. That’s a lot of days. Math is not my strong suit so I could be off by a few thousand days but that’s not my point. My point is, what, exactly, have I accomplished in that time? Well, I’ve had two careers, one before children and one after. I’ve raised two children I am proud to give to the world. I’ve maintained strong, positive relationships with my family, my ex-husband, and my ex-common-law husband which, I understand, is somewhat uncommon. I am proud of these accomplishments.

But at this age, the question is no longer “What have I done?” but “What have I done for me?”. That’s a whole new ballgame and one that is not easy to answer.

In truth, I haven’t done a whole lot for me. And I don’t think it’s selfish to want some satisfaction, some joy, some excitement, and some challenges solely and utterly for me. That is my new focus as I prepare to reach a half century on this planet. Like it or not, I’ve likely been on the planet for more days than I have left and if that’s not a wake-up call I don’t know what is.

I know, I know. Some of you are thinking for the love of God, stop it. Why so glum? Why so negative? Well to you I say: I am not negative. I am not glum. I am aware. I am mindful of my mortality. I can’t think of a better motivator than an awareness that causes a healthy sense of urgency. Burying your head in the sand, looking the other way, ignoring the obvious won’t make the clock stop.

Do that thing you wanted to do when you have the time, when things improve, when the kids move out, when you have enough money. Cuz ya ain’t getting any younger…