TURNING 50 MEANS GETTING OLDER, NOT GETTING OLD

I turned 50 in late January and survived to tell the story.

Happy birthday?

I was dreading it: despite all the "age is just a number" and "50 is the new 30" messages I've been getting, being in your 50's is different from being in your 40's. My body is changing, the check-box on online surveys has changed (can we not have that box 50-64 please!?!) and my role as a parent is changing. As someone who took a leap a couple years ago, leaving a career I loved to chase growth and challenge, I was surprised how unenthusiastic I was about becoming 50.

Something happened when the day came, though. It was fun. I've decided to shift my mindset - in typical DeRusha way. Being 50 is old. It is! And it's ok. But my focus is on getting older without becoming old.

SO WHAT AM I DOING?

👴 I'm not lying to myself: I am aging.

🕺 I'm focusing on what I can control: I'm diving in and getting out there more than ever before.

🏋 I'm renewing a commitment to fitness: healthy eating has been part of my life the last 3 years, now it's time to lift weights.

💡 I'm thinking about how to inspire others: how can my platform be a force for positivity when It comes to aging gracefully. Healthy aging. Better aging.

Joseph Gaugler was an inspiration on this topic when he visited my show on my birthday - you can listen in the podcast below.