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?
2 comments
40 was complicated for me, as it was in the middle of fertility issues. But the number itself didn’t bother me. 50 did bother me, much more than 60. But I love the idea of giving 8-year-old Melissa the things she dreamed of. If I did that to 8-year-old Mali, I’d have a horse! (though I did live on a farm as an 8-year-old) A pet lemur would have been much more exotic. lol But also – we might have been similar kids, because even at 8, I wanted to travel. I loved Cornwall too – and the cream teas (okay, that’s Devon, but close enough) are divine! Clotted cream cannot be beaten. lol
Well, I wished for books 😉 and I’ve definitely given myself those! lol I also wished (as a teenager especially) for travel — to Sweden (where my grandmother’s family was from) and to Scotland (home of my beloved Bay City Rollers, lol). So far, wishes unfulfilled.
Cornwall looks beautiful. Have you read the Poldark books by Winston Graham, or seen the series based on them? Lots of gorgeous Cornish scenery in that!