Fighting with Being Fifty Years Of Age

Fifty is an age when you really start thinking about your own mortality. Fifty is the age when you find yourself with more time than you've had since, well, ever. Fifty is the age when you really start realizing that you are getting older. Suddenly, you are fighting with fifty.

It seems like just yesterday you were busy raising kids. You worried about things like ball games, practices, and keeping your kids' grades up to par. You didn't have time to slow down. Every minute was packed with activity.

Activities that almost always centered around your children. But now your children are grown and they don't want to be the center of your world. Because they have become you. Their children now keep them busy with ball games, school activities, and other kid related things.

Sure, as a grandparent, you are wanted at those activities. But the urgency is one. It's not crucial that you be there like it was with your child. You may start feeling the "I'm no longer needed" syndrome. Fifty may start feeling lonely.

And not only does your mental well-being falter, your own body starts to betray you. Suddenly, those few extra pounds keep multiplying. And no matter how hard you try, you just can't shake them off. After a while you wonder if it's worth the effort. After all, you are fifty. It's all down hill from there.

And then there's those annoying little things like your knees giving out on you. Or your hearing gradually fading away. Your back hurts more than it doesn't. Let's face it, fifty isn't quite so nifty.

You start worrying about retirement. Will you be able to retire and live comfortably? Will you be able to keep your job until retirement? So many questions start tormenting your mind after you reach the mystical age of fifty.

So now you've reached the ultimate low. You are ready to give up fighting with fifty. After all, time will always be the victor in the age war. Right?

Well, if you believe this, the war is already over.

But, if you're done feeling sorry for yourself, and are ready to keep fighting, read on. Fifty is what fifty is. You've lived half a century. Sure, there's going to be things giving out on you. And things are going to change. Life is all about change. The secret is to learn to embrace change and make it work for you. Look for the positive in all situations.

You say you don't feel needed? Just show up at those ball games and watch your grandchild smile. Sure you don't have to be there, but you want to be there.

So you worry you might lose your job? Truthfull,y do you even like your job? Losing it might turn out to be the best thing for you. You might start a new career that you love. And even if you don't, well, retirement's not that far off.

Just try to stop fighting the things you can[t change about fifty. And accept that you are changing all the time. You just have to learn to adjust and go with it.

Fifty can be a wonderful time. You're still plenty young enough to have dreams and to fulfill them. Always wanted a college degree? Then go for it. After all, ten years from now, you'll be in your sixties one way or another. God willing. So, will you be in your sixties with that college degree or without it?

You think fighting with fifty is bad? Just wait. You've still got those swinging sixties, serene seventies, enjoyable eighties, and maybe even those nudge me awake nineties.