One of my closest college friends used to say “This is college life at its best” when we were at a fun college party or event, such as the Yale Bowl (Go UCONN). Then, it was “This is after college life at its best” as we attended happy hours at Boppers, or went to Big East basketball games in NYC or traveled to the Cape for a summer vacation. People got married, people had kids, people succeeded in their careers. It was our “20s at its best” and our “30s at its best”. Then, we sort of stopped marking and praising those moments and milestones.
Life started to happen. Life can be hard and we get busy. We have responsibilities, jobs, bills, houses and kids. Throw on top of that sick or aging parents, health issues, struggles with depression or addiction, financial struggles and relationship issues. It all gets so complicated so fast. It doesn’t always seem like “life at its best”.
Last year I turned 50. I want this to be my “50s at its best”. I want to “Thrive, not just survive”. I have heard this saying many times over the years. A friend of mine threw herself an “Empty Nest” party asking for tips on how to thrive during the transition to the empty nest phase. Some advice she received was to read good books, dance, drink and be merry! That is what I want – to thrive and be merry. I want to embrace being 50, being a single mom, having a teenager and even having a disability. I want to face the struggles, but then read a good book, dance and be merry. I want to thrive, finding those abilities and activiies that make me stronger and open my world to new viewpoints and challenges.
To thrive is to take chances. I am getting back out there, revisiting old activities (performing) and trying new activities (blogging). I went back on stage two years ago for the first time in ages. I sat in a chair on the stage and used a microphone stand, since I was worried about shaking hands and legs. I sang the song Stop Time from the Musical “Big”. It is a rather short and sweet song that reminded me of my daughter. I got through it. It was good. Not great, but good. Last year, I upped my game a bit. I stood on stage this time, still with a microphone stand. Song was longer and I added hand motions. My legs were shaking, but I made it through. This year, I will have to push myself a little more.
As I blog and share, I learn more from others who are dealing with different disabilities and limitations how to thrive. Limitations they overcome in their own way through exercise, writing, meditation, clean eating, being an advocate, talking with friends, visiting with family. They are thriving!
I am striving, I am thriving. This is my 50s at its best!
Finding Abilities 