Hard to believe, because I've always been the 'baby' of the family but as they say, 'it is what it is'.
A mother of a seven-year-old, I truly enjoy G-rated movies, roller-skating and am just as excited as my daughter for the latest Hard-Rock Theme Park's inception due in our area next April. In fact I can hardly wait.
I still love 70s rock, walking in the rain and holidays.
I still laugh with 'I Love Lucy', 'The Munsters' and 'The Honeymooners'.
In fact, in the past thirty years, I've hardly changed. True, there are a few more lines around my eyes, some grey hair that is covered for the sake of vanity and an additional fifteen pounds that I promise to get rid of'...starting tomorrow.
Well, actually, as I further reflect, there have been a few more changes....
I am no longer indecisive. Experience has taught me to trust my decisions and to trust myself.
Where I was insecure, I am now secure. I no longer compare myself to others and have learned to truly love the woman I have become. I know both my strengths and weaknesses and celebrate both.
I have learned to benevolently hold onto my own core values even if others disagree. A hotheaded gal in the past, I now have learned how to disagree agreeably. I have also learned when it's time to walk away; there is no sense tying to prove a point to those who disagree.
I no longer loose sleep over those who do not like me. I have learned that not everyone is going to like me and that relationships cannot be forced. I have also learned, throughout the years, to respect myself more, and not be a doormat for the sake of peace.
I have learned to take more risks and not be afraid of failure. I have learned the art of waiting and that patience really is a virtue. I have learned to enjoy life more fully and more freely. I have learned it is not what I do that is important but who I am that matters.
Middle age has equipped me to be a better person. I now have the wisdom and selflessness that I lacked in my youth which has enabled me to be a better parent.
I have read somewhere that the '50s' represent everything that you are meant to be. That excites me and I am ready. I rejoice and thank God as I approach this milestone of my life and...as Oprah once said, 'bring it on!'
Judi Lynn Lake successfully runs her own advertising agency which handles everything from logos, branding, videos and websites while continues to work closely with self-published authors from design to promotion. To learn more visit http://www.judilake.com
