by Jane Coryell

Created on: August 25, 2008   Last Updated: November 02, 2008

I never thought I would do this at 50 - settle into my second half of life and be at ease with this "old age". But I've arrived. Being 50 is a pretty comfortable place to be. When I was younger and in my 30's, 50 seemed so old and far away. I didn't think I would ever fit in. But that is the magical thing about 50. There are no pre-requisites. Nothing like high school. You can truly be you in your own fashion. You can hang up your hang-ups!

By 50 you've attained a new found freedom. The kids are grown, your career is established and you are pretty secure financially. Disappointments, set-backs, you take them all in stride. Divorce, made it through that. Hit the career highs and lows until the perfect job came along. Yes, it took quite awhile to reach this milestone in my life. It feels good.

Physically, the competition has died down a bit and I can be comfortable in my own skin. I know now that it's not all that important to be a perfect ten and that beauty really does come from within. A little bulge here and there is not the end of the world. At 50, true love will come find you without make-up. Even love becomes uncomplicated at 50. The games are over, and hopefully the chase is too. We've matured and can share a passion that is intimate beyond young love. I never thought I would be so comfortable with the things I use to worry about!

Early retirement brings an added dimension to a world I used to ponder. That book I never had the time to write, the longing for the travel I always dreamt about and, oh, the grandchildren! The jewels for my crown! My only decisions are which paths to take first. Sunrise or sunsets, I can take them all in without worrying about the clock and schedules.

Armed with adventure and desire, I can take a quick flight to New York City just to walk in Central Park. I can grab my laptop and head for the local coffee shop to spend the day writing a new story. With a companion or without, there are no rules. Life is comfortable at 50. Not the beginning of my life and not the end, I find the middle an inquisitive place to be. Questioning not the past but still questioning the future. Finding each and every turn intriguing and adding depth to my life. Things I never thought I would try, least of all at the "old age" of 50, are all available to me now. I have a thirst, as a child on a new shiny bicycle, to take off and try out new things! Things that I never thought were possible at 50!

The songs of my youth come to mind and they seem to apply now more than then. "Looking for adventure, out on the highway" to "I got a peaceful, easy feeling" play in my head and energize me. It seemed so complicated back then. When you journey into your 50's you can settle in, you can relax. Being 50 means you've survived the past and can create your future, revise it, expand it.

It is a new beginning and I am ready! The world awaits me. Now is the time to celebrate and start anew! I'm off and running. 50 seemed so far off, I contemplate down the road and wonder what 70 will be like!

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