Turning 50: A Cathartic Rant

This year, I officially joined the half-century club, and let me tell you, turning 50 came with a download of epiphanies so potent they deserve a public airing. Here are my lessons learned:

1. What will people say? Well people have always been saying something about someone since the cavemen era. I am done worrying about opinions.
2. Friends and family’s thoughts? They are too busy starring in their own dramas to spare any headspace for me. So I can carry on with my life. Liberating!
3. Kids: Apparently Self-Sufficient. Who Knew? Kids don’t need my helicopter parenting. They grow up just fine—maybe even better—when I stop hovering like a drone on low battery.
4. In-laws, house guests versus my school friends reunion? My school friends reunion takes precedence, I am not sitting back to play maid. Period. My joy > their judgment.
5. Speaking my mind? Yes, I can speak up and speak out without the fear of hurting someone’s feelings. If someone’s feelings are so fragile, its their problem not mine.
6. Losing weight? The dress and the impress-o-meter are irrelevant. My health is what’s paramount. I’d like to climb stairs without needing an oxygen mask.
7. Fixing, advising or judging people? Not on my list. People are who they are, and they do what they do. It’s a function of their genes, their upbringing, their situation and their hormones. So, I just see and be.
8. My Outfit? My mood decides whether I dress up or dress down. Not the event, not the guest list.
9. Drama? A straight no. I’m allergic to theatrics and done with the circus. Bring me raw, real, straight-up truth—or get out of my way.
10. Perimenopause? Yes its real. Its like my body’s throwing a hormonal tantrum. But I’m still the boss of my life!

Cheers to owning 50 and beyond with a royal swag and absolutely zero apologies!