On Turning 50
They tell me I passed a milestone the other day. It was the kind of milestone you usually want to drive by real fast without looking back: I turned 50.
I'm a "mature" person now...though I must confess I still feel a lot younger than 50. I'm more reflective now. And one of the things I've been reflecting about is the "wisdom" I've acquired on my way to being that age.
So, if you don't mind listening, here are a few pieces of that wisdom, random as they are -- my thoughts about turning 50:
1. I'm now convinced that life is an ongoing lesson in humility.
2. This particular milestone came way too soon...if 40 is "over the hill," 50 is "rolling down the other side."
3. My heart still feels 18. It's just the rest of me that feels 50.
4. I'm looking forward to the respect that should be given for all the years I've put in learning how to live my life.
5. Yes, I know: You also have to earn that respect.
6. You cannot manufacture another person's "joy." That's their job.
7. Performing "random acts of kindness" is good. Performing them with "love" makes them divine.
9. Children read between the lines, long before they read the words.
10. Living is a "tenderizing" process. I may not be completely
tenderized yet, but I don't think I'm as tough as I used to be.
11. At 50, I've come to believe the urgency I feel is not so much facing
my own mortality, but rather a need to "fulfill the mission."
12. Diet pills don't work. They just make you chew faster.
13. I cannot have it all - or do it all -- at one time. If I try to,
something or someone always suffers in the process.
14. Life is precious -- from the very beginning to the very end.
15. Love is conveyed by tenderness, respect and little, unexpected
gifts (handmade or made for the hand...just ask my wife).
16. The measure of a person's worth is not the measure of their girth...not withstanding the health issues involved.
17. A healthy body consumes a diet of grains, greens, fruits and proteins, as well as steady helpings of "mega-nutrients" contained in warm words, tender touches, simple smiles and shared tears.
18. What would I do without my faith? How could I possibly
withstand the, seemingly, endless barrage of attacks upon body,
mind, and soul this world is intent on dealing out? Without Faith, Hope,
Love...and a good sense of Humor, you can't get through much in this world.
I could go on...
...but some of you couldn't care less about the meanderings of an "old man," and the rest of you are nodding saying---"I think he's finally getting it!"
Here's To The Next 50 Years!
Joe Thiel
P.S. Best birthday present was a phone call from my 21-year old daughter. After wishing me a Happy Birthday, she said "Dad, I think you must be like the fittest 50 year old in the world!" Cool.
I'm never too busy for your referrals. Do you have a friend, family member, or co-worker who would enjoy my Fitness Empowerment Newsletter? Forward this issue to them!
If you've just been introduced to this newsletter, sign up here to become a regular subscriber to this free newsletter:
Joe Thiel
Owner, Fitness Together
