In just a few days, I’ll turn 50.

It didn't really hit me until this summer. I remember when I was younger thinking that 50 seems like a lifetime away. But now that the big 5-0 is here, I’m feeling content and excited for this new chapter.

I have experienced many highs over the years—starting Lacson Ravello being one of them, marrying the most wonderful guy, beating cancer—and have experienced many lows, especially as I faced cancer not once but three times.

I feel incredibly fortunate to celebrate this milestone and to look back as well as forward. I admit that I haven't always appreciated the things life has thrown at me. I've slowly come to realize that all of these encounters have shaped who I am now and have given me the confidence to embrace this new chapter. Thanks to my friends and family, as well as the amazing people I’ve met throughout my life and to this incredible community.

And news flash, 50 isn’t over the hill!

I wish I could travel back in time and tell my younger self that balancing a job, a business, finances, relationships, family and other responsibilities gets better with age. Like the bad things start to filter out as the positive things slowly but surely rise to the top. Be patient and stay the course is my advice.

10 Things I’ve Learned in My 50 Years

1. Go slow to go fast.
2. Trust your gut. Period.
3. Take a break no matter what.
4. Perfect is great but done is better.
5. Compounded interest is a real thing.
6. It’s okay to wear earplugs at a concert.
7. It is better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all.
8. Face your issues head-on as the storm will eventually pass. Promise.
9. Having a chronic illness doesn’t mean giving up on the things you love to do; it just means doing them differently.
10. Even though you have 20+ years of experience in your field, you're still learning everyday.

What I’m Looking Forward to the Most in My 50s

1. Hello AARP discounts! 
2. Letting my hair go fully grey. 
3. Leaving the party early and not feeling guilty. 
4. Tapping into that inner confidence a lot more. 
5. Having a reason for being bad with techie things. 
6. Busting other people’s stereotypes about turning 50. 
7. Planning an epic vacation to celebrate. Any suggestions?? 
8. Doubling down on meaningful relationships and less on drama. 
9. Being that “go-to” person because you have real-life experience and wisdom. 
10. Making better life decisions because you have real-life experience and wisdom.

When it comes to milestone ages, one thing is certain: becoming older has its benefits as long as you look for them. Whether you’re turning 30, 50, or 80, take the time to look back at your life and appreciate the moments that you’ve been able to experience.

We only have one life and as cliche as it is to say it, we must take advantage of it. Take chances, experience new things, and meet new people. That is certainly how I’m looking at 50 and cannot wait to see what this year has in store for me. 

And finally, I‘d like to channel Sally O'Malley and say:

"I like to kick and stretch and kick! I’m fifty! Fifty years old!"