Turning 50: What I’ve Learned About Life, Mortality, and Living Fully

Turning 50 hit me a bit harder than I expected. It wasn’t just a birthday; it felt like stepping into a new chapter of my life—one where the rules had changed. I remember sitting on the couch the night before my 50th birthday, staring at the ceiling, thinking, “How did I get here so fast?” It wasn’t a midlife crisis, exactly, but more of a quiet reckoning. A year later, I’ve learned a lot about myself, life, and what really matters. So, here’s my honest reflection on my first year in the 50s.

What I’ve Learned in My First Year of Being 50

There is one thing I realised this year: time is the most precious thing we have. When you’re younger, you feel like you have an endless supply of it. But at 50, you start to feel the weight of it slipping away. I’ve found myself saying, “Where did the time go?” more times than I can count. It’s made me more intentional—about how I spend my days, who I spend them with, and what I choose to focus on.

At 50, I’ve realized that life is too short to waste on things that don’t truly matter. I used to stress over the small stuff—like a messy house or a missed deadline—but now I try to remind myself that none of it will matter in the grand scheme of things. What matters is being present for the people I love.

And speaking of being present, that’s been one of my biggest lessons this year. As a dad of four, I’ve always been busy—running kids to school, helping with homework, juggling work deadlines. But this year, I’ve made a conscious effort to slow down and really be there. Whether it’s listening to my 16-year-old vent about school or playing football in the garden with my 9-year-old, I’ve tried to soak up these moments. Because I know they won’t last forever.

How I’m Doing Things Differently

Turning 50 has inspired me to make some changes—some big, some small. For one, I’ve started taking better care of myself. I’ve cut back on sugar (most of the time), started lifting weights, and made sleep a non-negotiable part of my routine. It’s not about trying to look 30 again; it’s about feeling good and being there for my family for as long as I can. This is not easy, trust me!

Thoughts on Mortality: Living More Than I Have Left

Let’s talk about something we don’t often discuss openly: death. At 50, I’ve found myself thinking about it more than I ever have before. It’s not a morbid obsession, but rather a quiet acknowledgment that I’ve likely lived more years than I have left. This realization has been both unsettling and strangely motivating. It’s made me more aware of the fragility of life and the importance of making every moment count. I’ve started to see life through a different lens—one that’s less about accumulating things and more about creating memories. I want to leave a legacy of love, kindness, and authenticity, not just for my children, but for everyone whose life I touch.There’s a certain freedom that comes with accepting your mortality. It strips away the trivial concerns and forces you to focus on what truly matters. For me, that’s my family, my passions, and the impact I can make through my blog and content.

The Freedom of Full-Time Blogging and Content Creation

Becoming a full-time blogger and content creator has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. It’s allowed me to turn my passion into a career and, more importantly, to be there for my kids in a way I never could before. I no longer have to miss school plays or football matches because of work commitments. I can be present for the big moments and the small, everyday ones.

Of course, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Building a successful blog and creating consistent content requires discipline, creativity, and a lot of hard work. But the freedom it’s given me—to set my own schedule, to work from anywhere, to spend more time with my family—has made it all worth it.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Me in My 50s

As I look ahead to the rest of my 50s, I feel a sense of excitement and purpose. I want to continue growing, both personally and professionally. I want to deepen my relationships, explore new opportunities, and embrace the unknown with curiosity and courage.I also want to keep learning. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, traveling to new places, or simply being open to new perspectives, I believe that growth is a lifelong journey. And I want to model that for my kids—to show them that it’s never too late to chase your dreams or reinvent yourself.

Most of all, I want to continue living authentically. To be true to myself, to my values, and to the people I love. Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.

Conclusion

My first year in the 50s has been a time of profound reflection and transformation. It’s taught me to cherish the present, to let go of what no longer serves me, and to embrace the freedom that comes with living authentically. It’s also reminded me of the beauty of aging—of the wisdom, perspective, and gratitude that come with it.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this post, it’s this: Life is short, but it’s also incredibly beautiful. Don’t wait for a milestone to start living the life you want. Take risks, chase your dreams, and cherish the people who matter most. Because in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count—it’s the life in your years.

Here’s to the next chapter. Let’s make it a good one.

Jerome