My Midlife: 5 Things I’ve stopped saying in my 50s

Are you scared of getting older? I hear you and I was one of those people. But turning 50 made me realise that ageing is not such a bad word and if I’m no longer the young whipper-snapper I once was, I’m definitely not ready to be put out to pasture.

Ageing is a natural, beautiful part of life that brings wisdom, grace, and an allure all its own. Rather than fearing the passage of time, let’s celebrate it and embrace the unique beauty that comes with each new year. But in order to age boldly, we should stop over-thinking and live life on our own terms.

Having realised that we’re often our worst enemies, I’ve decided to stop sabotaging myself filling my brain with negative thoughts.

Here are 5 things I’ve stopped saying in my 50s to help me navigate this new chapter of my life with joy and awareness.

1. “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
   This one might surprise you. I used to be the queen of procrastination. If it wasn’t urgent, it could wait, right? Wrong. Now, with kids growing up fast and responsibilities piling up, I’ve realized that tomorrow is never guaranteed. So, I’ve learned to tackle things head-on. Even the boring stuff like laundry or paying bills. It’s liberating, actually.
2. “I can’t.”
   This is a big one. For years, I’d used this phrase as a shield, a way to avoid challenges or step outside my comfort zone. But then I realised, ‘can’t’ is just a word. It’s a choice. So, I’ve replaced it with ‘How can I?’ or ‘Let’s figure this out.’ It’s amazing how much more open doors have become since I ditched that limiting phrase.
3. “I’m too old for that.”
   Age is just a number, people! I remember when I first thought about trying yoga. My inner voice was all, “You’re too old to be balancing on your head.” But guess what? I did it! And I loved it. Now, I’m open to new experiences, whether it’s trying a new cuisine or learning to paint. Life’s too short to say no because of a number.
4. “I have to do everything myself.”
   This was a tough one to let go of. As a mom, there’s a tendency to want to do it all. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, to delegate, and to let go of control. My kids are more capable than I give them credit for, and my husband is a pretty awesome partner. Sharing the load has made life so much more enjoyable.
5. “I’m tired.”
   Okay, this one is still a work in progress. But I’m trying to reduce my reliance on it. We’re all tired, right? It’s part of being an adult. But instead of using it as an excuse, I’m focusing on finding ways to recharge. A good night’s sleep, a little exercise, or even just a few minutes of quiet time can work wonders.

So, there you have it.  It’s been a journey, and I’m still figuring things out. But one thing’s for sure: life gets better when you stop saying ‘no’ to yourself.

What about you? What have you stopped saying in your midlife?

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