When I Turned 50

I saw this on Modern Mrs. Darcy, and it spoke to my heart. It was about setting a ritual for turning 50. The question asker made the assumption that people aren’t enthusiastic about turning 50, which isn’t true. I feel like there are a lot more “how did I get here?” moments around turning 40.

But I loved this question because when I turned 50, and now for almost two years after, I feel like my birthday focus has been to give my younger self the things she dreamed about as a child. Which makes me sound like two different people, but you know what I mean. I wished for things as a kid, and as an adult, I go and fulfill those wishes.

For instance, we’re planning a trip to Cornwall because 8-year-old Melissa has always wanted to go to Cornwall. 8-year-old Melissa also wanted a pet lemur, so she doesn’t get all of her heart’s desire, but I’m trying to give my former self the things I hoped for once I reached adulthood.

There is something emotional about coming full circle like that. In nodding to your past self and saying, “I’ve got you covered.”

What did you wish for as a kid? And have you given it to yourself?