SIXTH DECADE |

1st Decade baby Gigi

YES. I am in the sixth decade of my life. I know, I’m 50 + years old, 53 to be exact, but I don’t “feel” like a “middle aged” person. I don’t think my friends and I are our mothers “50”, but then again perhaps our mothers felt the same way when they were “50” compared to their mothers. We live in a society that is youth driven. I have friends who have shared with me how challenging it is to get hired, everything is submitted online and once the application is reviewed, few interviews are scheduled more than likely do to age.

not our mama’s 50…

50 today does not necessarily mean “old age”, for me it means being more confident, not afraid to make mistakes, free to be me, and willing to take a risks. If you missed some stuff in the first 50 years, this is the time to make up and do whatever it is you may want to do. No more excuses…

The physicality of 50 + is more work-plain and simple you have to “keep it moving” no quick fixes. Engage your body daily or else you will slide down the “middle age spread body” of no return. Granted your body will not be like a 22 year old, but you can be a rockin’ 50 something. Your diet is important too, maybe you skated by in your 20’s, 30’s and early 40’s but trust me the 50’s are unforgiving and don’t even talk about menopause… You have to figure out what works for you and like everything else moderation is key. I prefer a vegan diet with as much RAW and a little red wine, that works for me and my lifestyle. I juice most days and drink gallons of water, hydration is so important to keep everything running smooth.

Gone are the arkaic rules of “middle age” like “cut your hair”, “no minis” , “no bikinis” etc. my thoughts on this if you have the conviction to pull it off, go for it! Wear a tight dress? Why not. 4-5 inch heels? as long as you can walk in them. You also have to bump up the maintenance a notch or 2 maybe even 3. Unless you are ready to embrace 50 shades of grey-color your hair. Wear some make-up, no I’m not talking about full on Vegas show girl, but take the time to put on a little lip gloss, mascara, and concealer, it does make a difference. No matter what your style is, take a moment to pull yourself together, look in the mirror before you step out, even if you are going to your local grocery store. And lastly get plenty of SLEEP.

Although 50 is not the 50 of our parents, the decade birthdays can be a source of uncertainly. We can’t help comparing ourselves to our peers, wondering if we are where we should be on our life journey. For me once I turned 50, my attitude was “I am who I am, I can’t be who you want me to be” and of course when you stop trying to “be” for everyone else your life and relationships will make the necessary edits.

My life by the decade birthdays:

10–Could not wait to be a teen

Gigi @ 14

20–Can’t wait to be “21”

Gigi @ 25

30–Wanted to be married and have a family (btw married 1 week shy of my 30th birthday)

Gigi @ 29

40–I have arrived. I finally get it now.

Gigi @ 40

50–“I am who I am” I’ve embraced my authentic self–not afraid of risks, and no judgement

Gigi @ big “50”

53 soon to be 54– Figuring out the next step in this thing called life. Looking at what the next 5 years looks like-accepting each moment and savoring it, not worrying about the past, and taking delight in planning for the future.