During a conversation with a friend last year, we began talking about our ages and when she learned that I was turning fifty in a few weeks, she commented, “damn that is old, things just start going downhill at fifty.” Downhill? Was she actually serious? A woman who would not turn fifty for another ten years was entirely too negative about life so I quickly distanced myself from her. I was actually excited about turning fifty and could not wait to receive my AARP membership card. During the next few weeks, I reflected on my life, my accomplishments, good times, bad times, and dreams for the future.
I celebrated my fiftieth birthday with my husband and my best friend (who is actually the male version of me). As we sat in a quaint little restaurant enjoying great food and a great conversation, my best friend marveled at my accomplishments, noted that I was at the what next stage in life, and inquired about my plans for my fifties. Another thought-provoking moment that led me on a journey of deep reflection.
One year later as I continue the transition into my fifties, I am in love with my life. I am in a good place personally, psychologically, emotionally, physically, and socially. I love being a woman of color who is transitioning into her fifties fabulously. Actually, I am better now than I was in my 20’s, 30’s, or 40’s. I have successfully accomplished each goal that I set out to achieve and continue to amaze myself every day.
As I continue this fabulous transition, I set new personal and professional goals to accomplish during my fabulous fifties. To add a sparkle and a dash of flavor, I also created a fabulous bucket list that contains some awesome things that I will accomplish during my fifties. Notice that I wrote “I will accomplish.” The word “want” was not used because I do not “want” to accomplish items on my bucket list, I WILL accomplish them. Words are powerful and this is positive thinking at its best. This blog is one item on my bucket list that I have marked as accomplished.
To all of the fabulously fifty women of color around the world, this blog is for you. As you transition into your fabulous fifties, rebalance your PPEPS (personal, psychological, emotional, physical, and social) status. This is a time to celebrate you! This is also a time for enhancement, rejuvenation, and empowering yourself. Try setting new goals and plans to achieve them, create a bucket list for your fifties, discover a new hobby, embrace the beauty of nature, begin an exercise routine, schedule your general and women’s wellness exams, begin or continue eating healthy, begin writing your memoirs, and most importantly, make time for you to truly enjoy your fifties. During this fabulous transition, focus on your self-esteem, self-love, self-identity, self-respect, and self-pride. You radiate positive energy! You sparkle like a diamond! You are indeed fabulously fifty!
I love the following quote and often post it as birthday wishes to friends. “A birthday is the beginning of another 365 day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.” (Author unknown). Transitioning into your 50’s is the beginning of another 3,650-day journey of living life fabulous! Revel in the awesomeness of being fabulously fifty.
Enjoy being fabulously fifty, live this time in your dash in style, and most importantly, live life fabulous. You deserve it!
Women of Color Living Life Fabulous at Fifty 
I miss you, Dr. Donnamaria, and I will always love you!
Buddy
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