Free to be Me

Today as you read this, I am relaxing on the beautiful island of Cayman Brac in the Cayman Islands. I'm likely resting in a hammock or bicycling to the waterway. Whatever it is I'm doing, I'm sending up prayers of thanksgiving and gratefulness because today, I turn 50.

That's a pretty big number so in preparation for this day (it's one of those birthdays you prepare for) I've had much to consider and think about so today's blog post is a little bit different.  I hope you'll read all the way to the end and allow me a non-fashion kind of post.

So what's it like to be 50?

Not too many years ago I thought that people who were 50 were really old. They likely had no fashion sense and probably wore polyester and slippers most of the day. I'm sure I thought all 50 year olds had gray hair. I figured they were done doing new things and adventure was not part of their vocabulary. I also worried that when I turned 50 that the rest of my life would be boring. Seriously. I also hoped I would be happy because I figured the fun was over so I better be satisfied with where I was in my life.

Well let me tell you about what it's REALLY like to be 50...in my shoes (or wedge sandals).

First, I am so grateful that God picked me to be his girl. I like being on his team. You see, most of the time we wait around in life to be picked for things; committees, marriage, publishing contracts, etc....but my Pastor says we should stop waiting and pick ourselves. I like that.

I would say that I'm pretty much like that but in the case of Jesus in our lives, it's impossible for us to choose God without him drawing near to us first. He woes us and then we decide. But first, because he picked us. So, yeah, I like that he picked me.  I like it alot. But as far as "picking myself" to do what I want to do in life, I'd have to say that at 50, I feel free to pick myself on most occasions. Like getting a vision from God and going out to make it happen. Yeah, that's definetly me at 50.

I also like, that at 50, I can dress up to go anywhere I want to. Even if it's just the grocery store or my son's ball games. Even if no one else is dressed up, I can do it because I want to, because it makes me feel good. Being 50 gives you confidence like that. You see, I'm not a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, and I'm good with that.

I also like that at 50 I don't have to wait to get what I need in the form of gifts. My kids asked me what I "needed" for my birthday. Need? Nothing. And usually if I want something, I just go get it. That's pretty neat about being 50.

I also like that at 50, I don't have to change dirty diapers anymore. Perhaps I will one day when I have grandchildren, but by then, I won't mind it cause they'll be my grands...and then I'll be the "Glama"....oh yes, short for Glamour.

I like that at 50 I am solid in my relationship with the Lord. There's no doubt about my faith. At all.

I like that at 50 I can look my kids square in the eyes when they are doubting theirs and tell them to just trust...with boldness. And they believe me and doubt less.

I like that at 50 I can tell you I love cats and not care what you think about me. And one day I might even have a dozen of them. Because cats make me happy. I might be the crazy old cat lady and I'm okay with that.

I like that I have wisdom that I didn't have in my 20's and 30's....in fact, I really like the fact that I actually made it to 50 because I lacked so much wisdom when I was younger it sometimes amazes me that I am where I am.

 But for the grace of God go I.

I like that at 50 I know without a doubt that my husband thinks I'm the most beautiful woman in the world (and in any room). Even when I look downright awful. Now that's a man worth keeping.

I am so very grateful that at 50 I have a sixteen year old son who wasn't part of my plan, but was part of God's plan. And that child is the light of my life.

At 50 I can tell you that being a stepmother to three amazing step-daughters is a true gift.

At 40 I wasn't so sure...you with me, step parents? But keep on keepin' on.

And so at 50, I can pretty much say, I'm free to be me...always and forever.

It's a pretty neat feeling.

I leave you with this thought as it relates to you....why wait till 50? Be comfortable with yourself just how you are, where you are, and the age you are. Because honestly, today is the day the Lord has made and we should rejoice and be glad in it. Really, really glad.

I love you fabulous women...thank you for sticking by me and reading my stuff, trusting me with your fashion challenges and issues, and for being my friend.

Love,

Shari

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