“A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” — Muhammad Ali
I’m constantly amazed by young people: how they learn, how they push boundaries, how confidently they show up. I always want to be someone who claps for others, who cheers people forward. I want people to feel connected and that they belong.
And yet, I’ll admit it: at 51, self-doubt can sneak in. Sometimes it feels like I’ve gone backwards. What I’ve really learned is how much there still is to learn.
At a girls’ night recently, a friend said, “Being alone in your head for too long is like finding yourself in a troubled city.” We’re all in our 50s. Different careers, different kids, different marriages, but clearly in the same phase together. The messy middle, while looking ahead to what’s next.
On the drive there, I listened to my thoughts. Had I actually gone backwards?
No.
My five kids are nearly grown, two out of the house, three in high school. I’ve worked, served on boards, started my own business, and worked in remote edtech. I haven’t lost anything. I’ve gained perspective.
I was confident and kicking ass in my 20s and I also had no idea what was ahead. Life is humbling. Up and down. Good and bad. Living it fully changes you, and that’s not a loss.
I love watching the next generation kick ass. I hope they do better than we did. We need their passion, their ideas, their confidence, their energy, and their ability to celebrate differences.
Comparison can creep in, but it isn’t my work.
My work now is perspective, experience, and cheering others on as they rise. Onward!