Embracing Life Lessons: A Journey Through the Decades

Reflecting on My Fabulous 50s

I blinked, and here I am—standing confidently in my fabulous 50s. Each decade has shaped me in profound ways. I’ve learned lessons that have guided me through the ups and downs of life.

Lessons From My 20s

In my 20s, life was loud and chaotic. I chased dreams, jobs, shoes, and love. I believed in pushing through exhaustion, surviving on sheer ambition. However, just shy of 30, I faced a devastating loss. I lost my dad, and that’s when I truly learned how to grieve. That pain taught me the weight of absence. It showed me the quiet strength needed to move ahead with a piece of my heart missing.

From that decade, I learned resilience and the joy of unapologetic boldness. I also discovered the value of sleep. Even if it took another 20 years to honour it, I finally understood its importance.

What My 30s Really Taught Me

My 30s were a time of transformation. I learned that life doesn’t follow a checklist. I carried my grief with me, reshaping my expectations and questioning everything I thought I knew. This decade was about unlearning and healing. I learned to show up in rooms where I didn’t feel ready.

The 30s brought self-awareness and the beginnings of boundaries. Although I hadn’t quite figured out how to hold them firm yet, I was on the right path.

When the Wheels Wobbled: My 40s

Then came my 40s, a time when the wheels truly started wobbling. I became a mum—later than most, but at exactly the right time for me. I also experienced another grief. I lost my mum and was denied the chance to fully grieve due to how my siblings treated me. This fractured something I was only just beginning to hold together.

My 40s taught me about betrayal, burnout, and boundaries. I gained bitter clarity when people revealed their true selves. I’ve overcome the power I once handed to my siblings. I tried to piece back together the loving family unit my parents built. Instead, I chose my family—those who show up, hold space, and honour the truth.

As for my siblings? I now refer to them, with a wry smile, as the Fool, the Fruitcake, and the Filcher. This decade taught me to prioritise my mental health. I learned that holding it all together can sometimes mean losing yourself.

Finding My Way Through My 50s

Now that I’m navigating my 50s, these lessons feel like gentle guides:

• From my 20s: Keep the boldness, honour the grief.

• From my 30s: Juggling isn’t the same as thriving, and I was stronger than I thought—even when I didn’t feel it.

• From my 40s: Being “fine” can be the most dangerous lie. Protect your peace fiercely and without apology.

  
  

My 50s won’t be about trying to recapture youth. Instead, it will be about celebrating all I’ve become and carrying on what truly matters. No longer chasing—just living fully in who I already am.

Embracing Joy and Rest

As I step into my 50s, I have already learned:

• Joy that isn’t earned—just chosen.

• Rest as a ritual, not a reward.

  
  

If You’re Here Too…

If you’re standing at the edge of a new season wondering, Who am I now? You’re in good company. Embrace this journey. Each decade brings its own lessons, and it’s never too late to learn and grow.

In this beautiful tapestry of life, we find strength in our stories. Let’s celebrate the lessons that shape us and the joy that comes from simply being.

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