50 YEARS AND COUNTING!!
What a great day it was. June 18, 2016.
I finally experienced the BIG 50!
My 50th birthday celebration feels like a rite of passage and does not sadden me. It feels good. To be honest, I have never felt better physically and more in tune with myself mentally and spiritually. I am thrilled about this milestone. I have experienced each decade to the fullest, experiencing pure joy and pure heartache, pure contentment and pure surrender.
I love the wisdom of my present moment. I have learned much this past decade…. And I mean MUCHO MAS!
Most of my lessons have been learned through blood, sweat and tears. It is from my struggles that I have developed my strengths. For it is true that I am most resilient not because of my triumphs, but because of my tears.
God’s gift of 5 decades has helped me embrace the mystery of such paradox, easily accepting that which can't be fixed, which can't be made right, which can't be controlled, and which doesn't make sense.
Accept what is, nothing more and nothing less.
Make no mistake about it, I still feel pain, I get frustrated, and I suffer setbacks. Funny how I realize my mistakes more than ever and laugh at myself all the time.
All the while, I am my own cheerleader and realize I am the sum of all the experiences in my life and I would not change a thing.
The transition to the second half of life has moved me from either/or thinking to both/and thinking, and the ability to live with my personal paradox. I no longer think in terms of win/lose, but win/win instead. My either/or mindset melted away in my mid-40’s, and I give credit and say a loud THANK YOU to loss, betrayal and grief for teaching me this timelsss lessons.
I have been very fortunate in that I have felt quite comfortable in my skin (with exception be 15-17 years of age, I had no clue who I was….). I have never been one to follow the crowd and thankfully I have been blessed with a strong sense of self.
I credit my father for this.
I have modeled after him, understanding at a young age that we all walk to the beat of our own drum and quite honestly, my beat is usually not of the norm. Accepting long ago that I was off kilter and “quirky” has spared me years of worrying what others think of me. Call it a blessing or a curse, whatever it is, it is.
There is a peaceful sense of satisfaction that comes with living true to who you are, all the while not giving much thought about being accepted or rejected; but rather just being.
Personally, I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions for the mere fact that if I want to change something I change it on any given day. I don’t feel inclined to wait for a new year to “bring it on.” Similarly, I don’t feel the need to turn over a new leaf now that I am over the hill. Instead, I leave my leaf right where it is and when it is needing a nudge, I give it right here and now. Listed below are nudges that I have adopted through the past three decades ago and oddly enough, remain unchanged. Call me boring ~~!
50 for 50 years:
Stay barefoot in the sand (otherwise wear shoes)
The gut is trustworthy, feelings are not.
I Love You, infinity.
Work hard. Stay Humble. Repeat.
Remember names.
Live by principle.
Favorite things in life are not things.
Mother Mary is my girl.
Maintain eye contact.
Hate gossip.
Exercise.
Eskimo Kiss at any age.
Be consistent. Remain Dignified.
De-Clutter.
Honor God always.
Listen more than talk.
Smile at strangers.
Intermittent fast X 5/week.
Love my husband. Like him more.
Pause and breathe often.
Remain prayerful & worship daily.
Make this day better because I am in it.
Surrender.
Remember to look at others through their lens.
Serve less fortunate.
Don’t judge, just love.
Snuggle my teenagers.
Lick peppermint patties.
Be true to my word.
See the beauty in everybody.
Under promise, over deliver.
Strive for excellence.
At least one act of kindness each day.
Exfoliate.
4 ingredients or less.
Evaluate intentions. Take the high road because the low road is far too crowded.
Recite Princy’s Prayer each AM. (I can share Princy’s Prayer, if you want me to, just ask).
Leave Post-It love notes for everybody I love.
No gum smacking.
Balance.
Discipline with class.
Lift hard.
Do not swear.
Kids really do have it figured out.
Red bracelet
Don’t watch or listen to filth.
Share Appreciates each night.
Lick Doritoes but tell the kids they are licked.
Don’t share secrets.
Maintain integrity & character (especially when others are not watching).
I will be working on 10 more for my 60th.
Much love and kindness,
Kendra AKA: Princy-Pie
