Turning 50 has been life altering.

I feel like I just hit fast forward. 50 is closer to 60 and closer to 70 and so on. Time seems to be moving too fast.

But I’m not afraid of entering this new decade. I used to be so worried to show my real age. I was the one who left my birth year off Facebook to keep it a mystery. Now, my perspective has changed.

Why? Well, some of the most beautiful and successful women alive are in their 50s. There are so many great role models. Also, this milestone is really something to celebrate.

Many women who are in their 50s are better now than they ever were. That’s definitely how I feel, and it’s what I hear from my friends who have reached this milestone. They tell me this is the best decade of their life so far. You have more wisdom, you don’t let the little stuff bother you as much, and you can live with less worry, judgment and blocks. Ladies, it’s time to celebrate your age!

As I have welcomed my 50s over the past month, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned that I know will carry me forward while I try to live each day with gratitude over the next decade. I’d like to share a few of these learnings with you, in hopes that they might give you some perspective no matter where you are in your life’s journey:

    1. Be yourself, and don’t pay any attention to what others think. You will always have others judge you, but if you worry about pleasing everyone you will never truly be happy. I recently heard this and loved it: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Be grateful for what you have and stay focused on that.
    2. No matter what, don’t neglect yourself. I used to be a workaholic. I thought I was superhuman and could work all the time, but I had to learn the hard way that of course I cannot. Too much stress, too little sleep and ignoring self-care only made me unhappy and sick. Life is so much richer — and you’ll probably have more years to enjoy — when you make your wellness a priority.
    3. Do everything for your kids but be selfish too. If you’re mentally and physically exhausted, you can’t be a good mom. I know it’s not always easy, but try to sneak away to rest, rejuvenate and pamper yourself from time to time. You AND your kids will be glad you did.
    4. Pick at least one thing a year you always wanted to do and do it. Whether it is axe throwing, kayaking, renting an Airbnb on the ocean, don’t wait to enjoy life. I’m currently fulfilling my dream of taking singing lessons, and it’s been a thrill. Why did I wait so long?!
    5. Accept that you will never be perfect. I always said I wanted to be in the best shape of my life at 50. Well, that didn’t exactly happen. But I am still working on it, and I am proud of myself for every step forward I take. 
    6. Don’t waste time on self-doubt. I spent way too many years in this space. I am telling you right now, ignore the negative voices in your head. Believe in yourself.
    7. You don’t need a lot of friends to be happy, you need the right ones. Being popular will not make or break you. Find the few quality friends who will support you to the end — the ones who won’t judge you, who will always try to lift you higher, who will listen and comfort you when you need to admit failure or mistakes. And be the same friend right back to them. We all want and need ride-or-die girlfriends like this.
    8. Find your passion and light yourself up! My company has been the biggest learning of all for me. I never believed I could do it. But painfully losing a job forced me to make fast decisions and take the risk. I rubbed two sticks together and made the fire of this business. Mekky Media is my light, my energy, my passion and my values all tied into one beautiful thing. Every day I am beyond amazed at the wonderful team I created and that we are doing this and succeeding at it. I truly feel the limitless possibilities for the

Many of us in our 50s and beyond feel we’re just getting started. Sure, we have more lines, more scars, more wrinkles — but we also have the courage and bravery to step into the next! The lessons I’ve shared here are helping me do just that. They are my rules to live by, and I hope they help you, too. You’ve surely gained your own personal wisdom along the journey as well — trust yourself and let it guide you every day!