Goodbye Grumblings

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10 great things about turning 49

It’s birthday time for me, and as with previous years I’ve had the urge to do something unusual. Maybe it’s spring fever (never mind that everything was still buried in in snow when I started writing this post). Or maybe it’s because I’m a year older, and I want something to show for it. I like to think that I’ve grown or changed in some way over the past year. Different means progress, right?

I gleefully applied violet hair dye and thought about how much fun it is to do things that I wouldn’t have done years ago, things my younger self would not have even considered. I’m learning to consult my feelings to find out if what I’m feeling is truly enjoyment — or if it’s more of a not-disliking-something-because-I’m-doing-it-anyway-so-I-may-as-well-enjoy-it feeling. I know I’m truly enjoying something if I find myself grinning or laughing out loud. Violet hair makes me grin.

I decided to test myself to see if my idea for this post was honest. Am I really enjoying getting older? Challenge: Make a list of 10 things I enjoy about getting older.

  1. I have something wonderful to show for the past 49 years: good friends who would help me out at 3 a.m. if I needed a listening ear or company. Whether I see them for breakfast often or once every few years, they’re true friends nevertheless.
  2. The most energy- and time-consuming work of parenting is done. Little kids are a lot of fun, along with being a lot of work. Now I’m enjoying spending time with two Things who are officially adults and can survive on their own. Husband and I have done what we can to raise two functioning people who can contribute to society and look after themselves; all that’s left, really, is to enjoy their company, feed them occasionally and try to set a good example.
  3. As a Gen Xer, I reap the benefit of boomer pop culture. Lots of books and movies tell me I can look forward to more than just fading away. As a story addict, I’m pleased to see my future self reflected in pop culture. Thanks, boomers!  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel comes to mind, along with The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules and Breaking Out of Bedlam
  4. I have more empathy for my parents and grandparents, my aunts and uncles, and this is good for me.
  5. I have a great new perspective. Fifty seems so much younger from my vantage point than it did thirty years ago. Being 49 and realizing that I don’t at all feel finished helps me to really grasp the cliché that life is a journey. I remember very clearly looking at my mother, then in her early thirties, and thinking that she had it together and knew everything. I couldn’t wait to be in my thirties so I could know everything too. Little did I realize that I might not ever know everything, because there’s always room for curiosity and learning.
  6. More absurdities to appreciate. Or, put another way, more opportunities to laugh at myself and my friends. I’ve always enjoyed things that are ridiculous, and as I age, there are more and more of them. Sound effects, for example. I notice it in my friends and in myself… when sitting down or getting up, or picking something up off the ground, out pops a sound effect. (A verbal sound effect.) Does saying “oof” make it easier to bend? Maybe it’s a mellow version of the power yell I learned in Tae Kwon Do and karate. Welcome silliness!
  7. I care less what people think of me. I can dye my hair purple without fear of being labelled a punk or a rebellious teenager. Caring less about what other people think is one of my favourite parts of getting older! Side note about hair: having always been dark haired, it’s fun having a silver canvas to work from.
  8. I have powerful camouflage. Middle-aged women, especially those of us who could be described as round, with glasses, tend to be invisible. I enjoy watching people from the background, and I have lots of opportunities to do so. Generally I’m not perceived as competition or a sexual object anymore, so I don’t get the kind of unwanted attention I used to.
  9. I get to try out another archetype. I was the innocent girl for years (in spite of my best efforts). I tried out the mother role, and quite liked it. Now I’m approaching the category of the crone, someone who is apparently wise, compassionate and bawdy. What a fabulous combination!
  10. I’ve got some time and some freedom. I used to spend almost all of my non-working time doing important and time-consuming tasks like helping with homework, reading stories, playing with children, bathing, watching and listening to children. Some of those hours are free now, and I can choose to do any number of things with them. Like write!

There you have it. It was easy to think of ten things, once I got started. And I didn’t even include learning to understand myself better.

How about you? What are you enjoying about getting older? Has a birthday prompted you to do anything unusual or wacky? Share in the comments or send me an email (susan at goodbyegrumblings.ca)!

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About GrumblingSusan

Word lover. Story addict. Daydreamer. Optimist. Ottawan. Treehugger. Scouter.

16 Replies

  1. Sheila

    I am turning 49 next week and as I sat down with my tea this morning, decided to Google “turning 49” and was delighted to come across this post. Even more excited when I saw “Ottawan” in your key words… me too! Thank you for this post; it was like a birthday gift 🙂 I particularly enjoyed #8; have been feeling and enjoying being more and more invisible – so cool that there are others in awe of the same phenomenon. I have to say I do enjoy getting older. Hope you are keeping well.

    1. GrumblingSusan

      Thanks for reading and for your kind comments! I’m glad it brightened up your day. Happy belated birthday!

  2. Meg

    I really enjoyed reading this. I turn 49 tomorrow and although I am feeling happy with things in general, I feel a bit of anxiety at the Increasing speed at which time seems to be flowing. Loved reading this- thanks for helping me focus on all the positives and that it is the journey. Feeling grateful.

    1. GrumblingSusan

      Thanks for reading and commenting. I’m glad you found it helpful. Have a great day!

  3. Toni

    Hi Susan
    I am about to turn49 tomorrow (6th feb) . Feels a bit scary as it’s getting near the 5 0 . I feel the same as you not caring so much on what others feel about me , but also don’t want to get any older !!! . I know l have accomplished loads now divorced and have my own house , even though sometimes l don’t feel like l am old enough to deal with it!!!
    Must be going mad???
    From toni

    1. GrumblingSusan

      Hi Toni, I know the feeling… lots accomplished, yet at times I wonder if I’m grown-up enough to handle certain things. 50 is just another number. Take care, and thanks for commenting!

  4. Slick

    I love the hair! I agree now that our kids are older, we can go back to our old hobbies or try out some new ones and discover new things about ourselves. 🙂

  5. Kerrie

    Susan, my friend – you have NAILED it! Number 7 is particularly poignant; there’s something refreshing and liberating not to have to worry about what others think all the time. Somewhat surprisingly, I’ve found that worrying less has freed me up to be less judgmental in return. Thanks for the thoughtful post, and welcome to the Land of the Crones! It looks good on you.

    1. GrumblingSusan

      Thanks Kerrie. I agree — I find when I’m worrying less about what people think of me, I can focus more on being empathetic and listening. Now I’m going to go and practise my cackle!

  6. Kathleen

    Fabulous combination pretty much sums it up.
    Happy Birthday. Looking forward to more wise, compassionate and bawdy times. (With sound effects!)

    1. GrumblingSusan

      Thanks Kath. Someday, we should try just sound effects and see how well we communicate. 🙂

  7. Manon

    Great read Susan. I am turning 40 in 3 weeks and I am learning to embrace it! It is a powerful feeling to let go and not shy away from getting older. It’s a priviledge not given to everyone!

    Happy birthday friend.

    1. GrumblingSusan

      Thank you! I agree, it is powerful and something I’m very grateful for. Happy birthday to you as well! S.

  8. Jennifer

    Susan this is the best and most honest list I’ve seen.

    1. GrumblingSusan

      Thank you, Jenny! I had fun with it. 🙂 xox

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