I used to think 30 was old and 60 was ancient. Having passed not only my 30th birthdays but my 40th and 50th birthdays as well, 60 is much less than a decade ahead. I've revised my opinions. That's the major change in viewpoint that came with my mid-life crisis.

As mid-life crises go, I think mine was rather early. Around age 46 or so, I realized that half my life was over and I hadn't done anything I wanted to do. With everything migrating south or falling out, ridges where I should be flat, I thought, well there goes the modeling career.

But, I also realized that what people are saying about 50 being the new 30 could be true. With people living longer, I could possibly live a healthy and active life past 100. What's to stop me? Only my attitude. I think my dad had a lot to do with changing my attitude. He was an airplane buff and when diagnosed with terminal cancer, he set out to do everything he always wanted. He took up golf again, he and my mom traveled to Germany and Switzerland. At 71, he drove to Kitty Hawk N.C. and flew a hang glider for the first time. That alone should be enough to inspire anyone.

With that in mind, I started acting. I had always been afraid of being in front of people and suffered stage fright something fierce, but I always wanted to do it. I did improvisational interactive theater for the next 4 years. I also started doing Community Theater and in 2008, I'll be directing a show. I still have a desire to do professional singing, and I haven't stopped working toward that goal. I also encourage my friends to do things they want to but are either afraid to do, or think they're too old to do.

Mentally, I feel I'm 30. Most people say I look 35. When I try to do some things, my body says "no, you're not". Joining a gym last year is helping to correct that. I used to think that people 62 would retire and putter around the house. Now, I'm planning to work as long as I can, but the thought that I could retire in 2013 if I wanted just makes the job easier. I'm still trying to find time to complete my college degree. I may get my degree when I'm 60, but I'll still have that degree.

Once you get past the mid-life crisis, I think you grow up a little more. You realize that looks aren't all that important and you don't have to beat yourself up over a few lines or a few pounds. That's also when you realize that age really is just a number and that it should never stop you from doing anything you want to do.

Learn more about this author, Liane Laskoske.
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