Turning 50

On Sunday, May 13th, something besides Mother's Day happens for me. I turn 50. Half a century. It's hard to imagine, yet, I look back at my life, and I do remember the decades as they sped by. I remember all too well what I learned in each one, not counting my teen years.

In my twenties, I met two ladies who would become lifelong friends, learned how to be a friend, got engaged twice, broke off my wedding two months before the date, learned how a broken heart as an adult feels, how to pick up the pieces after being betrayed, and when it's time to move on from a job and a relationship.  I also began a career that would last me to this day. 

In my thirties, I began to recover from my childhood, realized my dream of being published, had a life-changing moment when involved in  a devastating accident, faced the beginning of a series of health issues that would continue to plague me, started a publishing company with my best friends, lost a job that meant everything to me, endured life-altering surgeries, and fell in love.

In my forties, I ventured into indie-publishing, bought my first house, traveled to Europe, lost a friend who was far too young to die, and lost a woman who was like a mother to me. I published my 50th novel and got my heart broken yet again. I realized who my true friends were, endured more surgeries that took their toll, traveled many times, bought a cat that I can't imagine my life without, started writing for an television/movie entertainment site, taught classes, and made some decisions that will affect the rest of my life. 

Now, as I'm starting my fifties, I'm gearing up to pay off my mortgage, publish even more books, volunteer more, travel more, and love more. Hopefully, I'll look back in ten years and see that I've grabbed life by the reins and have held on for dear life. I'll continue to practice what matters most of all—kindness. I'll love more, share more, and be more. 

I'm looking forward to starting another decade! Thanks for coming along for the last one!