I did love Joan Rivers, an iconic American comedian, actress, producer, writer and television host – a legend and truly iconic lady, she was known the world over for her characteristically dry, sharp, verging on offensive sense of humour. Of turning 50 she said, “Looking fifty is great – if you’re sixty.” There’s a popular saying that “Life begins as 50”, but does it? I recently had the privilege of turning 50. Some call it 40+10, some can’t say the number at all. For me, it’s easy to say but this life milestone has made me reflect on a few things.
“Looking fifty is great – if you’re sixty.”
Joan Rivers
A mix of emotions
Whatever you want to call it; for those who have already joined the third quarter of their lifetime or the second half of their century, these words, expressions and feelings may resonate with you.
🧡 LUCKY to get to be 50, that alone is something to celebrate
🧡 REFLECTIVE that I’ve not ‘yet’ created the life that I thought I’d have by now
🧡 OPEN as to what I’ll create next, in life, my career, for travel and in love
🧡 GRATEFUL that I’ve experienced so much in such a short pace of time
🧡 EXCITED about starting a new chapter and next half century
🧡 THANKFUL for all the wonderful people and humans I have in my life, in the UK and abroad, and friends from decades ago and more recently
🧡 OVERWHELMED by all the beautiful messages, cards, flowers, gifts and experiences I’ve received as gifts
For all of these emotions, I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone, my heart is full.
Dance and sing like no one is watching
On my actual 50th I got up early and I cycled with a couple of girlfriends into the Surrey Hills. I appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and for many it maybe a strange way to celebrate a milestone birthday, but for me it was perfect. A day immersed in nature with biblical rain – it was torrential, we actually needed a snorkel, mask and a wetsuit – and being totally soaked through to the skin, and shivering whilst trying (and failing) to fix a puncture (the second of the day), we still managed to smile, laugh, chat and sing. We even danced by the roadside to keep ourselves warm. The passers-by did give us some funny looks but I guess that’s one of the many brilliant things about turning 50, it’s the tremendous sense of liberation – I don’t seem to care what other people think about me these days. This sense liberation makes me think of the song FROZEN – Let it go! My nieces loved this track and it holds many happy memories seeing them dance and sing without a care in the world.
Time to shine in my next chapter
So, what’s the point of me sharing all this with you? I guess it’s to say, I’m grateful and thankful for everything I’ve experienced so far – the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s all a lesson. With my curiosity dialled up to 11 out of 10… I’m excited and looking forward to the next chapter in my life.
Some people have asked in recent months what I’m doing to celebrate and mark my 50th, “Are you having a big party?”, but that’s not my vibe. My thing is seeing family and friends in smaller groups, at different times, doing different things so we get to spend quality time together.
To that end, I’ve been celebrating with friends and family since the last weekend in Oct and will continue to celebrate every weekend into Nov and Dec. In fact, I’m now continuing into 2024 as many of the gifts I’ve received are experiences to be shared in the months ahead – you all know me so well. From high teas at The Shard, wild sea swimming weekends, forest yoga in Dorset, exhibition tickets to Hockney in London, and immersive colourful pot planting garden days in the countryside – turning 50 is the gift that keeps on giving.
Let’s talk – colourful conversations
Whatever stage you’re at in life, I hope you’re experiencing it all – the elation of the highs and the dips of the lows. Much like the journey of growth we experience when coaching or being coached, the line is never straight, it has lots of wonky bit, spiky bits, curved bits, light joyous bits, dark shadowy bits, and a host of lessons in between if we’re prepared to listen, treat ourselves with compassion and be curious.
As a brand strategist, colour consultant and coach, I work with heart-led people and businesses who are looking to make a positive impact in the world. If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd and distinguish your brand for all the right reasons, do get in touch, I’d love to talk.
With joy and colour,
Emma 🧡
Images are of my birthday cards (excluding the rude ones), all are utterly brilliant!
Brand Strategist | MarComms | Coach 