Yesterday I celebrated my 53rd birthday. Sounds old, but I’d honestly rather be 53 than 43, 33, or even 23. Being middle-aged isn’t as bad as you might think. For instance, if you forget an important date, folks are more likely to cut you a break. You can be shockingly blunt and get away with it. If your clothes don’t happen to match, people just kind of blow it off. After all, you’re “middle-aged”. It’s a license to do most anything really. Run with it.

It’s also an age when you tend to analyze your life and rearrange priorities. When you’re young, it’s easy to be convinced that you’re immortal and assume there’s going to be plenty time for everything. There’s nothing like middle age to shoot the hell out of that theory. Some things just have to go, and by mid-life, you know exactly what they are. No more spending time with people who bore you. No more attending social events you don’t really want to sit through. You start buying clothes just because they’re comfortable and throw away all those attractive but torturous heels. FYI, Dr. Scholl’s makes some sandals that feel like your bedroom slippers. They’re the only shoes I own, with the exception of my trusty work out shoes.

At age 50, I decided to make a “bucket list”.  I’ve checked off most everything already, since time is closing in quickly. The list is rather short, and I’m sharing it in hopes it’ll inspire you…

Renew old friendships

There’s no friend like an old friend. They know all about you and love you anyway. We all have friends we’ve lost touch with through the years. This summer I decided to do something about that. I looked up two pals from the past. We spent time laughing together, ate good food, filled in the missing years’ events, and in one case, we even…

Climbed Harney Peak

The highest point in North America west of the Rockies, it’s not an easy trek. My girlfriend, two years my senior, was ahead of me most of the way, which was a little embarrassing, but by the time we reached the summit we felt like we’d climbed Mt. Everest. Now this is especially notable when you understand I’m terrified of heights. Not only did I survive, but one month later, did a repeat performance with my son and grandson.

Master the violin

I’ve played just about every other instrument, but the violin always seemed foreboding. It sounded particularly difficult to learn, since I was told it involves math, and I suck at math. Upon turning 50, I invested in a year’s worth of lessons, then took off on my own playing Bluegrass by ear. And you know what? It wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be. You’ll find that’s the case with most things in life.

Cut the fat

I’m not just talking about getting in physical shape here, but in cutting excesses from every corner of life. That means nixing any toxic relationships, streamlining household tasks, and just letting a lot of things go. Try it; it’s tremendously freeing.

Live life large

Every day is an adventure, or at least it should be. When you wake up in the morning, the possibilities are endless. Every day could also be your last, much as we don’t like to think about that. Mortality becomes more of a reality after 50. Make every day count.

Live to 100  (pending)

This is one I’ve been working on since the birth of my first grandson 12 years ago. The start of a new generation creates a marvelous impetus to living longer. I have a burning desire to see who they marry, watch them discover meaningful occupations, and look forward to meeting my great-grandchildren. It means you quit smoking, get off the couch, and watch what you put in your mouth. To that goal, I presently walk 2 miles every morning, followed by a 2-mile swim and a half hour of circuit training. I’m a mostly-vegetarian these days, after realizing that red meat is probably killing us slowly. I say mostly, since occasionally everyone has a burning need for a big ol’ greasy cheeseburger. Know what else is killing us? Processed sugar and white flour. Why put stuff in your body that doesn’t do you any good? Sounds radical, but after a while you don’t really miss it. Your brain needs exercise too, so don’t forget that. Challenge yourself to learn new things, even impossible things. You’ll be surprised.

Now clearly, the list is getting short, and I’m nowhere near ready to die yet, so I’ll have to think up a few more items to add. Which means you’ll need to come back for another chapter in the continuing saga of “My Life from Zero to One Hundred”.

All in all, 53 isn’t so bad; and in any case, it beats the alternative.

Just my Lynnterpretation.