Oh Feck I am 50!

[FlemCandango]

Birthday is tomorrow, the postie has just been and I have a bunch of cards with "50", or a jokey image related to getting older. I certainly feel older, 2 adult children. Aches and pains, not recognising that woman in the mirror who looks a lot like my dad (not even aging into my mum).

So what is good about being 50+? Inspire me so I don't distress the children by crying when they present me with cake and sing happy birthday...

I probably won't do that but it is hard to be enthusiastic 😅

You’re alive🤭

This!
It is trite, but honestly it is also true.

Ten years since I was 50 and honestly I wish I hadn't been such a misery about it.

I've had some very happy times in the past decade and didn't blink at turning 60.

You're still you so just carry on and don't think you've got to prove anything.

Happy Birthday!

It’s not 60. I turned 60 a month ago and am still not over the shock.

You're alive
Healthy I hope
2 kids
Got people who send you things
Know who you are
Don't take any shit
Appreciate what matters in life
So have fun, eat delicious food, laugh lots and have an ace birthday!

Congratulations and Happy Birthday!

It’s better than the alternative, right?!

I’m a year on and have younger DCs than you OP, but honestly it’s been fab!
Enjoy your birthday tomorrow 💐🎂

50 is great, much better than 40.

I'm not 50 yet, but I think lots of people caring and sending you a card is something to celebrate. You are obviously loved - that's not the case for everyone.

I turned 50 four years ago. It’s true to say that there are certainly downsides… menopause, serious aches and pains - my back is utterly knackered - and the skin on my neck resembles something you’d find in a Bernard Matthew’s farm.

But - there’s certainly positives. My life is much easier these days. My children have grown and fled the nest - I’m mortgage free - retiring in two years and I’m financially secure. I have a husband who I love very much who’s been with me for 35 years. I spent the majority of my younger years juggling everything and worrying about money.

I also work in the Coroner’s service, so I see first hand every day the amount of people much younger than I am who have died suddenly and prematurely. I consider myself very lucky - despite the baggy skin and aches and pains!

Chin up, OP! Or as my husband says to me - all of them! It could always be worse!!

it is the best time of your life, honestly! I love it. Freedom, independence, being me! pleasing myself!

I am the finished product now, no more pushing to improve myself, this is who I am, take it or leave it.

no longer care what other people think, they care what I think. Happy with the choices and decisions I have made throughout my life, and at peace with the world.

Children are grown, and after decades of spoiling them, they now spoil me!

No longer care if I get a police record, so quite happy to go all out for Just-stop-oil, etc, a police record isn't going to damage my career at this stage!

No periods! freedom from the calendar and the tampon box!

Only issue is I wish I could say I have less hassle from men but it seems to increase at this stage of your life - ignorant pig married men thinking o- she's in her 50s, she is going to be so flattered if I bat my eyelids at her and give her a little mysterious half smile, then lunge for her boobs!

I don't know why men think I will be grateful for their attentions, but at this age I can see them for the pathetic inadequate little worms that they are, and have no compunctions about squashing them flat.

there is more - well, look at me, lying in bed at 10am, no one to apologise to 😂I'll have whatever I want for breakfast, and will wash up later if I feel like it, or leave it until tomorrow if I feel like it. I'll wear anything I want, torn jeans probably, trainers and a nice bright, comfy sloppy tee shirt.

sport! loads to try! but at this age its all fun, and not really competitive, no pressure - I started football a few years ago, and Kayaking last year. Going to give sailing a go this summer.

Life at this age is the best it ever has been - I am half way through my 50s now, and expecting 60s to be great too

edited to say - not all men, obviously - and at this age I have many good friends, male and female, who I have known through decades of life's ups and downs, and enjoying the friendships that have stood the test of time is another great boon of your 50s

I’m a year behind you, but I’m trying to stop freaking out how I got here, when I was only 22 five years ago, and start thinking of the positives of being 50.

Life is sooo bloody short. And you’re lucky enough to be here. You’ve got a family that love you. You’ve got wisdom. You’re in a position where you can now say what you want and do what you want and even if anyone does judge you for it, you won’t care.

You're wealthier than you were in your 20's (hopefully) and don't give a shit what people think of you.

Getting to 50, being healthy, having people around you who love you, is a privilege. So enjoy it OP, embrace being older and not giving a fuck. It's bloody brilliant.

70 in three weeks. Still finding it hard to believe.

I’d love someone to send me a bunch of cards.

You've opened your cards already?!

the skin on my neck resembles something you’d find in a Bernard Matthew’s farm

What an awful thing to say about your appearance and, really, about other women's too.

Being 30, 40 didn’t bother me OP but 50 did.

However, I’ve just come to the conclusion I’m just me and age is whatever it is because quite honestly I still feel 30 in my brain.

I’m OK with it now. I’ve also found my voice. Whilst I’m not rude, I no longer sit on the fence with things like I always have. I say it how it is. I think there is some freedom in that.

Happy birthday OP. Eat plenty of cake and have some fun. You are still you. You are awesome and we women rock.

Thank you for all the positivity and birthday wishes.

I do have people who care about me and a lovely husband and amazing children. I haven't quite got my health but that can be a focus for hopefully improving in this next decade.

Money is healthy but working full time is a drag. I would like to re balance that over the next few years but with children aged 15-19 and all either at uni about to go or will in the next few years it is an expensive time!

My job deals with supporting people in very difficult and distressed states to find a way forward. Empowerment is key, but the way the world is, throws so many barriers up it is difficult to achieve our aims, so much of our work feels like putting fingers in a dam! It does provide context and contrast for my much less devastating issues though.

I think I feel very much the passing of time my father died aged 54 which seemed much older when I was 18 than it does now. Especially as I have high BP and a mini stroke recently.

So I do want to embrace my 50s without fear and with a full and beating heart but there are nagging obtrusive thoughts that tug at my resolve.

You have all been very inspiring with your posts full of just what we should aspire to do and be at 50. Thank you so much.

Oh for heavens sake… lighten up!! It was said tongue in cheek. Did I mention other women?!! No - I did not. I can make all the disparaging comments that I like about my own neck - so perhaps wind your own in.

Oh dear, @PlutarchHeavensbee bit if an overreaction from you there ...

Quite close to retirement ✅✅

Happy 50th!