Not Dead Yet

This is the beginning of my last year in my 50s. One look in the mirror tells me I’m not 18 anymore, but there are better ways to measure our lives. I’m gonna make this opportunity count. I’m not dead yet.

Every decade has had its share of trials, but not without a side of JOY. This one is no exception.

This is the decade I took pride down to the mat.

I’ve always described myself as a perfectionist. I told myself and others that I didn’t want to do something unless I could “do it with excellence.” You know what they say about humble brag…actually is that a thing people say? It’s probably not a thing. Moving on. 

It wasn’t perfectionism; it was pride—the wrong kind. There is a Bad Pride, you know.

So. This decade, I let God help me put down this unhealthy pride. I haven’t conquered it yet. It reminds me all too often that it’s alive and well. But so am I; I’m ain’t dead yet.

But this decade

I sang in public, knees knocking for the very first time. I’m not the best singer in the world. Who am I kidding? I’m not the best singer in any room (Oh, the tragedy!), but it was freeing, and now that I don’t want to throw up every time I do it, it’s indescribably fabulous.

I started my blog, HeyGetARoom.net, where I offer seasoned marriage and relationship advice. I’d never written a creative word before that moment. Gulp.

Bobby and I began a new racing chapter; he’s currently driving a nostalgia dragster. It’s very different from a funny car, and we’re enjoying tackling another new adventure. Together, of course.

And the very best thing that happened this decade was that I got to lead worship with my husband (me singing and Bobby playing guitar) at a huge car show at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. I was so honored to lead others in praising God.

You know that scene in a movie where someone tries something they didn’t think they could do and nailed it, amazing everyone with their hidden talent? Their awesome awesomeness? Yeahhhh. That’s not what happened here. But, people tell me all the time how much my blog has helped them. Even if it was one person who was helped, it would be worth it! And what happened in my heart has been a miracle in itself.

What’s next?

How do I make this last year in my 50s count? I don’t know yet. If it’s like the others, it’ll have trials and tragedies, fragility and failures, layers and lessons, and great adventures and accomplishments.

How ’bout you? Maybe you think you have something to say – something to teach. I bet you do. I wrote this about how to be “backup singers” in people’s lives. Help them out. Be a mentor. See what you think. 

Backup Singers

Post Worth Reading: How To Feel Visible & Vibrant After 50 in 5 Easy Steps | Susan “Honey” Good