About to turn 50 - want to live life to the full!

[Fluffypompoms]

Can anyone relate? I'm about to turn 50. There are SO many things I'd love to do and haven't done for one reason or another. I had the realisation the other day time is running out - that I might only have another 10 to 20 years - at best - to do all the things i want to do, if I'm lucky. It hit me like a tonne of bricks. I want to cram so much into life before I can't. Is anyone experiencing the same?

I understand, but find myself more reaching for mindfulness in simple pleasures where I am. So no, I’m probably not going to get to be wealthy or to spend significant time in Barbados like I’d like to, but I can walk our shore here and truly appreciate it. Enjoy a good cup of tea, homemade soup, sheepskin rugs by my bedside. You get the gist.

Pretty much yes. I'm being much less accommodating with how I spend my time, and when I'm choosing between different options in how to spend my time, I choose the option that feels more like "really living" even if it stretches my comfort zone

Similiar here, it’s making me think

Solo trips. They are the answer to everything.

Me too, my mum got to 75 so I like to think I've got another 25 years. Going to Disney world at Easter and that's something I've always wanted to do.

May I ask why you feel you may only have 10 or 20 years left ?? Lots of people live much longer these days...

@Neveranynamesleft I'm thinking of what I might be physically capable of doing. My mum died young and I've had health issues (all ok now, touch wood) which makes me worry. Inside I feel the same as I did when I was, say 20 but my body tells me otherwise.

I think I relate to this, though have also found myself not wanting to waste my time on people that dont bring joy into my life. Having always been a people pleaser am finding myself saying no - its been amazing, though not everyone has liked it, especially when I have told them why.

I want to spend time with people I enjoy being with doing these things I want to do.

Well i suppose nobody knows what's round the corner so if you get chances then take them....

I’ve just turned 50 and feel the same! I’ve just booked my first sunny/beach holiday abroad with my DS. Fed up of always thinking I’ll book something next year when I’ve cleared this bill or that debt. My debts are tiny and more than manageable but there always seems to be something come up! So I thought sod it and booked it. Life’s too bloody short and I want to see more of the world!

Virtual travel. I’ve seen some things virtually via 3d goggles and decided that was good enough. Other places I marked to actually visit.

I thought for sure I would want to take a certain Alaskan train trip; experienced it virtually and the whole train car was led in riotous singing the whole way. Dodged a bulletin on that one.

Same, I go on one once a year and it’s been life changing.

Yes, this! I have done lots in the UK but also two to Asia. Amazing!

@50NotFat good for you on booking your first beach holiday! Where are you going?

If you have the money and the time, do it now. Don't wait.

Make a list & start ticking things off

I still have things on my "to do list"

I’m 52 and I agree. I think this is what’s meant by a midlife crisis - this urgency to grab life with both hands while we still can, because time is finite and we’re now looking at our aged parents and thinking ‘We’re next’. So this is what we’re doing:

1. For the last five years or so DH and I have started ticking off ‘bucket list’ travel destinations. We’re not waiting for retirement, since that’s still 15 years away (at least) and who knows what shape we’ll be in then?
2. I just started a new career, which has been great and very personally energising and rejuvenating.
3. We’re taking care of our health - DH has lost weight and gone from obese to a healthy weight, we work out, we get regular blood tests, take supplements to address problems (in his case high cholesterol and in mine low ferritin and folic acid), and make sure we don’t miss screening tests for cancers. So we’re doing what we can to ensure a healthy old age while making the most of middle age.

Just turned 50 and it's hit me more than I thought it would. Something about the age feels different. I still have 3 teenage kids to see through school but as they age I've way more time to focus on what I want. I've been prioritising my health and well being, exercising more, getting out for weekend hikes and strength and conditioning. Also going to more plays, gigs, weekends away. I enjoy my life just sad that I'm so far into it if that makes sense.

@zurigo I really want to change jobs and career direction but worried I'm too late. Was it difficult to do?

I am 54. Adult kids.
I go out 3 times a week
Solo trip at least once a year to Europe, India or Asia
Museums and galleries every couple of weeks
Park walks at least twice a week

I pay for all this by spending very little on clothes, makeup and beauty.

I'm 68 and while in good fettle now, have had a few health challenges over the past five years, hopefully all settled down. So I've been given a lifeline bonus.....

My philosophy is, if I can afford it and I would like to do it, I research it first - that's usually half the fun, and then go for it! My DH is not one for travelling much now as he is mobility restricted. He will go but it's challenging for him. So I go alone. It has to be one of the most liberating things a woman can do for herself! I'm into Roman history so I go to any place that has Roman stuff like Ostia Antica, Herculaneum, Pompeii, Agricento etc. There are so many!

First time it's terrifying. Second time not so much, third and subsequent times I know the drill. I use public transport as much as possible since getting into a taxi alone is not something I'm comfortable with, but if I have to I will!

Other than that, I'm happy to potter around and discover my own city and surrounding areas. It's a tourist area but when you live here, you don't see what others spend a fortune to look at and experience!

As a pp said, there is a lot to be said for having home comforts and it's often the little things that bring happiness, not the expensive things.

Alicante! Can’t wait! Been to loads of beach holidays in the UK but never abroad.

Well I had to take a second degree to do it, so yes, I suppose in my case it was, but it depends what the change is that you want to make and what the necessary qualifications are.

The best thing I did for myself on turning 50 was taking up weightlifting. I recommend joining your local gym & having some sessions with a personal trainer to get you started.

Oh how lovely. I hope you have the best holiday ever! 🏖