Freaking Out Over Fifty... NOT

by Angie Miller

Okay, so maybe I’m freaking out a little. But I’ve practiced being fifty for about a year now, so I should be well prepared. Last year on my 49th birthday I kept repeating, “I’m going to be fifty,” as if I needed to hear the words spoken aloud. I was probably trying to brace myself for whatever emotions I thought I would experience. In reality, I think that when 50 came, I just wanted to “be ready.”

Fast forward a year, and today, December 1st, I officially turn fifty years old/young. I still don’t know if I’m ready, after all society puts a lot of pressure on women to stay vibrant and young, and age comes with a lot of stereotypes. But I will say that turning fifty has inspired me to look ahead, and seek answers to some pivotal questions. It’s helped me to discover what I need to let go of, and what I have yet to accomplish. Most importantly, it’s reinforced the value of time. It started with a moment of clarity, the realization that the years ahead of me are (more than likely) not numerically equivalent to the years behind me.

While some may find that depressing, I find it empowering. It’s all about perspective, and age can be a great motivator. Sometimes we need that wake up call. The courage to ask ourselves a few key questions that have potential to impact our lives in ways we never imagined. There are so many questions we could ask, but here are a few I came up with:

What do we really want?

What have we always wanted to do, and who is stopping us from doing that other than ourselves?

How do we get out of our own way?

And finally…What are we waiting for?

While I am still in the process of discovering the answers to these questions, I couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead. Questions pave the way to possibility for all of us who are brave enough to ask. I am personally inspired to see what 50 holds for me, and how I can use time (and age) to my advantage. I hope that you’re inspired too, and I hope that age will forever propel you forward rather than hold you back. Most of all, I hope that for all of us, today is the start of something wonderful…

- Angie

Angie Miller is the star and creator of the Bedroom Body™ Workout and other top selling exercise DVD’s. Passionate about fitness and education, Angie teaches at Northern Illinois University and is a Certification Specialist for the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She is a freelance writer, group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and proud mom. Learn more about Angie at: http://www.angiemillerfitness.com