You are always one choice away from a different future - Aria Michaels
This quote could not be more true. So many choices have been made or even not made over the last several years. Some choices were mine and others are choices that I was forced to accept. As I am nearly 6 months away from turning 50, I am reflecting so much on the past 49 years. It has definitely had its ups and downs. I am not going into this new decade with fear or anxiety about being 50. The emotions are more adventurous and excited! Turning 50 is truly a gift. While the beauty industry wants women to fear aging, I am looking forward to it. Age really is only in our minds. I don’t feel much different now than I did at 25. I’m actually more athletic now than at 25.
The last years being single have been such a blessing. I know I would not have had the experiences or met so many amazing people had I been married. Each relationship I’ve had has changed me in some way. One in particular has left a huge imprint on my heart. Maybe one day it will happen again. The places I’ve visited have been amazing! Planning a trip to Europe with my daughter and running the Berlin marathon was for sure a highlight.
The next adventure in running will be training and running a 100k trail race in May 2026. It is my A race for next year. Eighteen-year-old me or even 30-year-old me would be in awe of the accomplishments that we had so far. I say we because I bring all the versions and ages of me along for everything. We got here together, and we will continue on together. Each stronger than the last version. I will train for this huge goal with my dear friend, Natalie. She is a fantastic human. We have bonded over hours of trails since we have met. We will continue to do so as we train for this race. It may end up being more trauma bonding by the time race day is over. There will definitely be good stories for this one!
I feel so privileged to look forward to turning 50. There is no fear or anxiety. It will all about continuing to become who I have always meant to be. It just took a little longer than I wanted. The headline is that I am still getting there. I would love to say that I am going to continue to write about this lofty endeavor, but we will see. As with everything this is to be continued…
