Today is my birthday. I don’t tell you this lightly. As a matter of fact, last year I didn’t even mention it because last year I turned the big FIVE-O. I’m embarrassed to admit it now, but I was so devastated and in such denial over that silly number that I refused to acknowledge it in any public way. But now that I’ve had a year to let the reality settle in, I see I did myself a disservice by allowing such a significant life milestone pass by without paying some sort of homage to it.
So here I am, a year later, ready to do what I should have done last year…reflect on turning fifty (plus 1) by sharing some of what that considerable span of time has taught me.
I share this as a birthday present to myself today….but my hope is that each of you will find at least one nugget of truth that resonates with you and causes you to reflect as well.
51 Reflections On Turning 50 + 1
I’ll start with one of my very favorite quotes:
1. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~~Eleanor Roosevelt
2. Time and experience heals pain. Even if you are going through an overwhelmingly painful event in your life right now….one day it will be part of your past and not nearly as significant as it seems.
3. Keep moving. We must keep putting one foot in front of the other even when we hurt. If we don’t, we will never know what is waiting for us just around the bend.
4. Be the first to say you’re sorry.
5. Kindness matters. A lot. Being kind is more important than being right. Wherever there is a human being, there’s an opportunity for kindness.
6. Mother was right….everything seems worse at night. Our isolation and insignificance seem so much greater when everyone else is asleep. Try to rest and take comfort in the approaching sunrise.
7. Find ways of doing service. It’s some of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. You come to love those you serve.
8. For better, or for worse….means just that. Probably the five words most taken for granted in the English language.
9. Forgiving yourself is FAR harder than forgiving someone else. And, I believe, it’s never complete.
10. When the chips are down (I mean REALLY down)…family is who will come through.
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11. Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
12. Comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
13. “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.” ~~Eleanor Roosevelt
14. Stop worrying…and start living! 99% of what we worry about WON’T EVER HAPPEN!
15. Choose happiness. Walk cheerfully on the face of the earth.
16. Let go of resentment. Holding a grudge is letting someone live rent-free in your head. KICK THEM OUT!
17. You don’t need everyone to like you. If the people closest to you love you, the ones who don’t, don’t matter.
18. Addiction is no respecter of persons. It will seek to destroy anyone who gets caught in its web.
19. Life is all about expectations. Stop expecting impossible perfection, in yourself and others.
20. NO ONE gets through this life without some trial. Everyone is fighting a battle of some kind.
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21. Goal-setting is overrated. Problem solving is underrated.
22. Debt ruins lives. Try to avoid it all cost.
23. Never send an email when you’re mad. If you want to write an angry e-mail, do it. Just don’t send it.
24. You can’t change people. You either have to accept people for who they are or not at all. There is very little gray area here.
25. Learn to embrace Change, even when it arrives with its companions, Fear and Uncertainty.
26. Giving is better than getting. If you continually give, you will continually have.
27. Gratitude is the best way to find contentment. Personally I don’t think there is any way to find contentment without gratitude. It takes our focus off what we don’t have and onto what we do have.
28. Learn the art of empathy and practice it. Never underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, or a listening ear.
29. On being a parent….stay out of the way of your kids becoming the amazing people they are. It’s more harmful to overparent than to underparent.
30. Everyone yearns for validation, love, security, enjoyment and a better future.
31. Live in the now. Don’t let yesterday use up today.
32. Live by example. Personal example carries much more weight than preaching.
33. You can’t buy happiness. Everything that is wonderful about life doesn’t cost a penny. A long walk, a hug, spending time with a good friend are all free.
34. You can’t please everyone! If you share something with enough people, you will upset someone, no matter what. That’s their problem, not yours.
35. Mistakes are how we learn. Failures are the stepping stones to success.
36. Wear sunscreen.
37. No matter how lonely you might feel, there is always someone who can relate to you. Perhaps you can’t talk to them right now, but they are out there.
38. Flowers and gardening are medicine for the soul.
39. Passionate love is overrated. Seek a mate whose values and background echo your own.
40. Relationships are messy because life is challenging. A conflict doesn’t mean the relationship has to come to an end.
41. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. Not your parents, not your spouse. You.
42. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay close.
43. However bad a situation is, you will get through it, one way or another.
44. Trust your gut instinct. It will be right 99% of the time.
45. Sometimes all you can do is B R E A T H E.
46. Failures are only lessons. So never regret anything that has happened in your life. Take it all as lessons learned and move on with grace.
47. The best is yet to come.
48. Experience is the greatest teacher of all.
49. This wise prayer….”God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
50. Find your passion. Discovering something you love to do has an amazing effect on your entire life.
51. I have a lot left to learn. Life still has many lessons left to teach me, and I’m looking forward to them all.
I want to thank each of you for being here to celebrate with me today….and every day! The community that this website represents truly is one of my proudest accomplishments, and one that wouldn’t exist without all of you incredible people!
Do you have a saying that resonates with you?
Great blog post. It
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Continuate cos
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What a wonderful list and I have to agree with most all of them. I plan to share with my children as thoughts for the day. Thank you for sharing you with all of us. I’ve learned so much from your blog and I am slowly remaking how we do things at our home. I find myself saying “Why didn’t I think of that?” or “I wish I knew that 20 years ago!” all the time. Again, Thank you and I hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love this! I wish more people would accept–heck, even enjoy–getting older. I hope my 50th birthday (and my 51st) is filled with celebration and reflection rather than me trying to ignore a number.
My mom LOVED turning 50 (she’s the same age as you). My sister and I threw her a huge party, and she took the over-the-hill jokes really well, even goofily posing for photos with gifts like adult diapers and Fixodent. And when her AARP card came in the mail, she had to show everyone. I think that’s how it should be (in a way).
Anyway, happy (late) birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I turned 51 on Feb 20 also! happy birthday to my birthday twin!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just turned 51 as well. I was also upset about the 50th .
I also voted for your website to win. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, dear Jillee! I have never commented but SO enjoy your blog/pins/fb – you are a joy and full of such good/practical advice. I thank God for you – and all you share — may you have a most wonderful year. I turn 49 this year – and say AMEN to everything you have shared in this entry.
Hugs and God’s blessings!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.elizabeth
Love it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Very nice list! Just remember, don’t sweat the small stuff. My 59th birthday is next week.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much for this – I was so blue today about my upcoming 50th birthday and not happy where my head is or my life. This really helped – happy 50+1!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillie!! We both LOOVE your website! Be happy that you are still here and you don’t even look 51 anyway!! *XOXO*
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! May your day be as filled with as many moments of happiness as all the wonderful ideas you have given to all of us!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! I hope you had a wonderful day filled with love and light! You are such an inspiration! I wish you many more years filled blessings!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! I will be 51 in just 4 months and look forward to it, especially with the wise words of your post! And always remember, your birthday is the day that God blessed the world with your presence and that makes each passing year a blessing!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Must be the month for it ! I am turning 50 on Saturday, and to think those years have flown by is remarkable, we are still here ! I hope this year turns out to be as much fun and filled with happy memories, your blog, facebook etc, are a staple for me now, so keep up the good work, keep smiling, and have another great year. Your 51 reflections are inspiring also, we are all here to help each other, all the best Rosie :D
What a beautiful list…I’m so glad you’re celebrating this year! We need to give ourselves more of a break w/THE numbers!!! Congrats to you, peace & love!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! From someone older and still surprised by the journey every day! And a thank you for your daily ray of sunshine!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Belated Birthday!! Hope it was a great day!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! May you have many many more! I celebrated the 12th anniversary of my 39th birthday last September. Congrats to the both of us and everyone who made it past a half century! Lord knows it hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve had my good share of fun. lol!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday from another 50 + 1 year old.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, just think in four more years you can go to Ross and get a discount on Tuesdays, lol. I came to this realization this year when they were telling the woman ahead of me that she can get a discount today because she was over 55. I said well glory be there is something good in turning 55. My daughter said you are not over 55, I told my daughter yes I am, I turned 55 and I am over it!!!! Needless to say I got a discount that day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, Have a GREAT day!!!
Happy Birthday!! I hope you had a great day. Thank you for your blog, Jillee, I love it!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been following your blog for a few months now and love it. Fifty was a long time ago for me and I too had my demons to deal with. At times, not very well.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I read about your addiction and recovery and commend you to seeking help and rising above it. I deal with mine everyday too. I have major depressive disorder and it isn’t just feeling blue or down, it’s a whole bag of critters. It destroyed my marriage, affected my job and lost jobs because of it. Just keep on keepin’ on Jillee you have come out on the other side, so what you’re doing is working. You are a beautiful lady inside and out. God bless and Happy Birthday.
Belated Happy Birthday to you. I wish I was 51 again. My 50th birthday had my co-workers surprise me with black ‘Over the Hill’ decor. I loved it. The numbers on the cake mean nothing. Some people are old when they are young. You will never be ‘old’ because you enjoy life and do for others.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What a great post! You are so wise to be so YOUNG!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Perfect timing Jillee! I turn 50 + 4 the end of this month. You have the perfect list! Thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, Jillee! I’m celebrating right there with you! I also turn 51 TODAY! Blessings!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday for yesterday Jillee!! I will be 55 this year in April and have a 13 year old daughter so I have no excuses for staying young at heart.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just wanted to tell you that I love your posts and am ever grateful for finding you!
Love and hugs from Cape Town, South Africa xxxx
I work in retail and people (mostly women) will come in and tell me, “I’m a size 6,” and then they try on a size 6 and it’s too tight and they refuse to accept that they may need to go up a size. And I tell them, “Nobody will know what size you’re wearing but you. The tag is on the inside because nobody cares what it says.” I feel the same way about age. Nobody knows how old you are just from looking at you, especially if you’ve followed rule #36 above :-) People don’t have a tag because nobody would care what it said.
And just remember this: lots of people like grape juice, but they pay the big bucks for fine wine. Age adds value!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow. I don’t know what to say! I am quite literally SPEECHLESS! (which is rare!) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the amazingly kind words and birthday wishes! I’ve read every single one and will cherish them all.
I wish I had time to answer every one individually….but since I really need to get to work on tomorrow’s post…I’m just going to throw out one HUMONGOUS (((((((((((((((GROUP HUG)))))))))))))!!!!!!
Thanks for making my 50 + 1 birthday one I will never forget! :-) xoxo
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We both LOVE your blog~
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hope your day was magical! Thank you for bringing my days such joy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, Jillee! Thanks for all you share – Celebrating the gift of YOU!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y J I L L E E !! Hope this has been a great day for you and all your wishes come true. God Bless You and many, many more of course.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! I’m glad you are reflecting on the positive side this year! I try not to look at birthdays as a day to be depressed but a day to celebrate with my loved ones….any day spent with our loved ones is a day to treasure….I’m learning as I get older that those days can come to an unexpected end much sooner than we ever anticipate…. Have a wonderful celebration day! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday you brave and beautiful lady!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! I love your thoughtful words. Here is hoping you have learned to be comfortable in your own skin and to love yourself.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, Jillee. May God bless you with many more birthdays & years of good health & happiness. I love getting your great e-mails every day with so many good ideas to save time and/or money I’m near 75 & your’re teaching this old dog some neat new tricks. Thank you.
p,s, I treated myself to a solo camping trip in Yosemite for my 50th.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! Hope every year gets better than the year before.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! You are 51 years young! I turned 54 earlier in the month. I love the candles on your cake. So much great wisdom! Gratitude is one of the keys to making life more joyful and we can all always learn something new which makes us feel young!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for this post. I should read this every day. I had never heard the first quote by Eleanor Roosevelt and I LOVE it! So, so, true! May God bless you in the coming year!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! I turned the big 50 a month a go and feel so blessed. Had a bilateral mastectomy 12 yrs ago and a hysterectomy 4 yrs ago so each year that goes by I’m lucky to have had them. (My mom past away of best cancer in 2005. )
I turned 50 and the hot flashes became better so I’m hoping with each passing year they’ll move along!
Love your blog is the best!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HAPPY day to YOU:) Isn’t it a true accomplishment when we take time to realize
Please log in or create a free account to comment.“Hey, isn’t it marvelous that I’m not only a survivor but an amazingly blessed woman who has wisdom to share?” Thank God.
Thank you for taking time to share a little each & every day. :)
Because one definition of wisdom is having abundant know-how to use the knowledge we have accumulated. LS
Thank you for your wise and wonderful words. I ALSO turned 50 last June and refused to celebrate the day. Here is to 50 plus 1! You have inspired me. This June, I will have cake!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! I hope that you had a wonderful day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Well said, Jillee! You are right on with all 51. Thanks for a great blog, it’s a joy to read each day!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, may you enjoy many, many more!
Happy Birthday :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! 30 was the birthday I did not want to face. After that I stopped worrying about all the rest of them. I am amazed sometimes that I am 55! In my mind I am still young and capable of many things. In reality, I have a bad back that gets me into trouble thinking I can do this or that, not to be able to finish and being genuinely surprised that I can not do it afterall! : )
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, sweet daughter, Jill. May it be as bright and happy as you always make me feel. I have loved life, all 83 years of it, and you have helped to make that possible. Your father and I love you more than you will ever know. Have a great day!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee,from all your fans in Australia.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I will turn 50 this year and am not looking forward to it, but I’m going to print your list and look at it often, maybe when the day comes around I’ll feel diferently
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!! Love the list of wise thoughts!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! I’m about to hit the big 6-0 and I’m looking forward to it. My sister died right before her 60th birthday, my brother died at 25. I’m just happy to still be here!
Embrace every day for the gift that it is. You are a gift yourself, to the many, many people who enjoy all that you share and all that you do to make our lives an adventure. God bless you always!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday to YOU. Thank you for all that you have taught me, you really have changed my life for the better
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It is my prayer that you have a wonderful day,and thanks so much for sharing the great reasons to be grateful for where we are in our life right now.
Blessings,Jocelan
I figure 50 means halfway done. LOL, but you know, we are living longer and longer no reason not to plan for a 50 year future.
I will be 57 in a couple months, at 52 I graduated with a Masters degree I had always wanted. I love getting old enough to find myself comfortable in my skin and much less dependent on other peoples opinions of me.
Be Blessed, enjoy your birthday and plan for the next half of your life!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here’s wishing you a beautiful day!
Gorgeous Grannies Unite…..lol
Happy Birthday, Jillee!! I hope you are having an amazing day!!! Love. love, love your blog and am looking forward to many, many, more years of your wonderful ideas!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!!! I love your list! It is so right – thank you for sharing the wisdom of your years *chuckle* with us. I need to share this list with my daughters!! So many of your “nuggets” bring back memories of my mother!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! I just turned 56 and I don’t care who knows it because I’m proud to have lived this long since there are so many who never see it…
Thank you for the words of wisdom. They came at a perfect time because I am worrying too much. I forget what my mother once told me, “Why worry about things you CAN change, or worry about things you CAN’T”.
Hope you have many, many more celebrations of LIFE!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m afraid I disagree with 29. Most kids who end up in trouble as seriously under parented. And I think you mean debt not debit. But many of those are so true. Especially about contentment and gratitude
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! Thank you for sharing your inspirational thoughts. Your blog is wonderful gift that you share with all of us daily. Many blessings I wish for you this year. Just wait till you get to your sixties like my husband and I. Still enjoying our life and blessings. (There is just something emotionally traumatic about the 50th year but it passes quickly!)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee, I can’t believe we share the same birthday! I turned 48 on the 19th. Happy belated b-day!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.#14 is one of my all time favorites: Stop worrying and start living (that is the actual title of the book by Dale Carnegie)… 99% of the things we worry about will never happen. I read that for the first time 25 years ago, and that revelation was LIFE CHANGING for me. It is SO true!
A very blessed birthday to you! I have cut way back on the number of blogs I follow, but yours is a keeper!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday big sister! Love you and so proud of you. You are amazing!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
Please log in or create a free account to comment.― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Happy Birthday Jillee Bean! Ha, I remember your school council slogan but I can’t remember what I had for breakfast this morning!
I turn 50 this summer and I’m not looking forward to it, at all. Thanks for the timely posting, reading this list helped me to remember that I can’t do anything about aging, so I might as well embrace it and continue making the changes I need to make to create the life I want now. You look great, Jill, that counts for a LOT.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee Bean! Ha! I just remembered your school council election slogan, and I can’t remember what I had for breakfast this morning.
I turn 50 this summer and I am dreading it. Reading this helped me to remember that there is nothing I can do about getting older, I need to embrace it, and continue to make the changes I need to make to create the life I want now. Thanks for the timely message!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday to a wonderful woman!!! I have saved money and time with your wisdom. May your day be filled with joy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I will be 51 this year as well! Happy Birthday. What a wonderful list! I shall print it out and read it with my kids. Lessons for everyone!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Love your blog ..turned my sister on to you too. I will be 62 this yr and looking forward to getting My social security. See there are benefits.to getting older…enjoy your day!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, Jillee! You brighten all my days as I wait for your next post. So I hope today is extra-special for you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, Jillee! When I turned 50 a friend sent me a card and pointed out that this was my Jubilee Year (Leviticus 25 starting in verse 8 is one place in the Bible). That made me feel really good knowing that was a fresh start for me. One thing I like is all the knowledge and experience I’ve gained that can only come with time. Happy Jillee’s Jubilee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.ps Thank you so much for your important work.
Happy Birthday! Oh, to be 51 again!! No, not really. I remember a couple years ago when I turned 60 I couldn’t believe it but it’s just a number. Have a great day and love this post. Looking forward to many, many more posts.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! I agree – it’s only a number, it is what you make it mentally. I am 53, will be 54 in August, and I feel, and only allow myself to feel 30 TOPS – usually 25! People get old because of how they think, not because of what their body does! I just accept each birthday as a challenge – BRING IT ON! :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!!! Your an inspiration to all of us .
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I turned 60 this year, and it’s great. Two of my favorite quotes about age are:
“I’m aging like fine wine. I’m getting complex and fruity!”
“The good thing about getting older is that you still have all the other ages you’ve ever been.”
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILLEE !!! YOU DO NOT LOOK 51. MORE LIKE 41. WOW. GOOD GENES HUH. I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU WHAT A WONDERFUL WEBSITE. I ENJOY EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. IT HEPS MAKE LIFE A BIT LESS COMPLICATED. IN SUCH BUSY TIMES I REALLY APPRCIATE IT. AN ONCE AGAIN SCREAMING ALL THEY FROM SUNNY SAN DIEGO HAPYYYYYY BIRTHDAYYYY JILLEEEE !!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee. You are such an inspiration to me and I thank you for sharing with us every day and making life a little simpler.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday. Best wishes for a year filled with lots of love and fun.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love the list of quotes and life lessons. It’s printed out and hanging right by my desk. Great motivator-thanks.
Happy Birthday Jillee! Wishing you a wonderful day and a great coming year!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much for your list. I too have printed it out.
Happy Birthday, Jillee! I love your list – all of it is so true! Thank you, too, for your blog. I look forward to reading it each day – such good ideas!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Welcome to 51! I have been here since May and loving every moment. I felt such joy at reaching 50. My husband made it very special by surprising me with a trip to Puerto Rico. I welcomed turning 50 as each moment is a blessing. Consider your birthday your personal new year. Remain blessed and keep sharing your wonderful crafts, recipes and life lessons.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee!! May this be your best year yet. :)
Thanks for taking the time to make this list. I have read it and think I will need to re-read it again and again. Very good.
Thanks, Susan Pearson
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Take heart, it happens to the best of us. Not only did I turn 50.. my baby went off to college, empty nest syndrome ! Double whammy
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hope you enjoy your Birthday. There are so many advantages to being a “mature” woman. Loved all your quotes. Thank you for all you do for your followers, you may never know how you have touched others lives. Bless you.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Happy Birthday Jillee! Wishing You a Day Filled With Love and Laughter!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sincerely,
Laurie
P.S. You Look Mahvelous!
Happy Birthday!!! Love your Blog!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oh Jilee, Happy Happy Birhday to you! I experienced the same exact thing when I turned 40. I knew it was silly, it’s just a number, but what a significant nunber it was! Funny how things like that can grab ahold of us and refuse to let go.. I am now post 41, by a few months and came though it like you, with flying, reflective colors:) Happy Day to you Love, I hope every moment of it is fabulous!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Leah
Happy Birthday! Have a wonderful Blessed day! I can relate to your posts and I love them. Thank you for putting yourself out there. Your encouragement has helped!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What a great post. Happy birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I did exactly the same thing last year: I couldn’t get my head around the big 50.
So I also ignored its portent…
And during the year that has gone, I too have found myself thinking very philosophically about life.
And I also regret now not making a fuss about the passing of that half century.
My 50+1 comes up in May: I’m going to make sure I share it properly this time!
This is my year of ‘Pass it on’…
Happy birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love your out look and attitude! May you have many more years to continue it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.50 was easy, wait till you reach the 60 and that seems impossible!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.THSNKS for all your ideas!
Happy Birthday! Last year I turned the big 3-0 and let it pass by without a fuss. I truely regret it. I should have set a date, had all my girlfriends come in from around the country and celebrated where I was in life. Just as you’re reflecting on 50 (plus 1), I’m thinking about going all our for my 30 (plus 1) this year :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s my birthday as well….except I’m turning the big 5 – 0! Not liking it at all…I still think that’s the age of my parents, lol! Happy Birthday, hope it’s awesome!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday and many healthy returns of the day! Love your list and oh, so true! Thank you. Enjoy every minute of your special day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! I will be 50+5 next month and I am printing off your list to remind me that age isn’t a number, it’s all in how we feel. One day at a time pays awesome dividends!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JILLEE!!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Happy birthday! This post is just what I needed today…thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.thank you for sharing! great words of wisdom and yes, turning 50 is a scary feeling. i think it made me feel for the first time like i was actually an adult. i’m 51 and realize that a lot of people might think my age is old, and sometimes i even feel that… though inside i feel like a kid sometimes… :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Today is my birthday too! The big 5-0! Whoohoo!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happiest Born Day to you ~ I am passed the big 50 ~ couple years now. But I hope you have the best day ever. Be proud of honoring yourself today ,I will do the same~
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! I was diagnosed with celiac many years ago and at some point after that decided that I should be a dietitian. I went back to school and had a goal of being an RD before I turned 50. Well, 2 weeks before my birthday I passed the national boards and narrowly averted a midlife crisis! If I wouldn’t have passed that test on the first try it would have been a black birthday!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oh duh…HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Betsy
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee,
I too had a difficult time with my 50th and am fast approaching my +1 (March 5th). We Pisces are kindred spirits and your list was inspiring and very helpful. I have found an inner peace (and some good menopause meds.-lol) this past year and look forward to all the “plus” years ahead. A huge help in my transformation was giving up the drink too (November 26th, 2012). It just didn’t help the situations. Best of luck to you, me, my husband and all of us taking each step one at a time, day by day. :)
Peace,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Betsy
Happy Birthday!!!! I will turn “50” in May, and I am looking forward to reaching this milestone. I hope today brings you much joy and happiness. Thank you for all you do.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! You are only 2 days older than me, and SO much wiser! Loved this!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You share a birthday with my precious (now) four year old. I love reading your blog. You should be proud of all you’ve accomplished. Happy birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow Jillee! Smartie pants ;)…..I love all those 51 sayings. Happy 51 birthday years! Your blog is my fav! Enjoy your special day
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! And thank you for your inspiring list. In your 51 years you have certainly gained much wisdom. Our experiences of life can grow us or defeat us… you have grown. May God richly bless you with His best! And please keep sharing your “one good thing”.. it is one of the great things that “makes my day!”
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I remember as a child I ask my dad what an antique was, his reply was something that stuck with me forever. He said that an antique was something that was 50 years old or more and that got more valuable as it aged, so on his 50th birthday I wrote on his card “To my most loved and valued antique – you just get more and more valuable as the years pass, here’s to another 50!”
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee, you bring a lot of joy to many people and don’t know your true “value” – no matter what your age, you are a gem!! Happy Birthday and many many more :)
Wow, this is beautiful. I think this should be shared far and wide. –With credit, of course. Have a Happy Birthday! I really hope it’s the best ever! ~Kris
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday to you. I have just started following your blog… I just love it! I am going to be 51 this year and I want you to know that my motto is “It just keeps getting better and better!”. At 50 I have found a new freedom to live life fully and to speak my truth by finding my voice. I hope you will continue to embrace your 50s they have a lot to offer us… we are becoming wiser! ha! Happy Happy Birthday
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy 50 + 1 Birthday Jillee!!!! I’m a few years ahead of ya but yeah I get it. I’m still in denial, too. LOL
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! I hope you have a wonderful day and may God always bless your soul. :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Miss Jill. I very much enjoy your blog and have gleened much from it. I read it everyday through e-mail. Thank you for sharing your hard work and your insites
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Karen
Happy Birthday!!!!!! Love all that you do!! I’ve learned so much from you!!! I will be 49 this spring. My kids are still young. (7 and 11). I am so blessed!!.. Because of my kids ages I am around a lot of younger moms. I know I could be a grandma at this age but I feel so blessed and so wise about things that younger moms are hung up about. I don’t take a day of being a mom for granted!! I know to savor every day!! Thank you for the list!! Great inspiration!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Never thought much of age being a milestone or even a factor in my life. The only time I even kept track of my age was when I was waiting to be old enough to drive. Sometimes not knowing how old I am is a little embarrassing– but I honestly do not keep track. I have to “do the math”. Like right now–born the end of Dec in 64 that means the end of 2014 I’ll be 50–so right now I am 48. Whew! I’m sure I’ll forget in a few days. The same thing happens when someone asks me how old my husband is.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.An elderly friend once told me– with old age–The Lord blesses you with poor eyesight so that you can no longer see what you can no longer bend over to clean.
To paraphrase George Burns; If you want to be old just grunt every time you stand, pretty soon you’ll be so old you’ll hardly be able to move.
Happy Birthday!
Don’t feel too bad about ignoring 50 – this year I will be celebrating the 19th anniversary of my 29th birthday! :-)
Happy Birthday!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Just look how wise turning 50 has made you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My sixty-sixth birthday was yesterday. Sometimes it just is hard to take being older. As I watch my little mother as she is in her last days I realize that we should look forward to all the the Lord has for us at any age. I love my children & grandchildren and wouldn’t trade this time of my life with anyone.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi, I am 50 +1 too. I tell everyone that your birthday is the anniversary of when the Lord sent you here. It is a blessed day to rejoice. Thank you for today’s blog, and may it keep us inspired. Happy Blessed Birthday, Jillee.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.An amazing list, I will save it and reread often!! Have a wonderful birthday and a special year to come!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, hope you have a wonderful day! Thank you for all your hard work on your blog. I enjoy reading and learning from it everyday.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I will be 80 this year and I am grateful to be here. Many much younger people have not been so fortunate. Life is GOOD
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! I hope you have a blessed day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! I too skipped right over turning 50. Kept in “on the down-low” as they say. I don’t regret doing that, but would’ve loved to throw myself a kick-ass party. Maybe for 50+10! Hope your day is as wonderful and special as you are!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, Jillee! I hope you find that you are indeed like fine wine, you only get better with age. My 66th birthday was yesterday, but I’m celebrating tonight with my family.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Awesome words of reflection! Love your site!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Happy Birthday to you ! I enjoyed your ‘list’. Think of all the people who invite you into their lives and embrace you. It is special, and such ‘a good thing’ Enjoy what you have, who you are, and life’s lessons.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Again happy birthday…remember..the alternative is unacceptable !
I am 53 and I am so lusky and thankful for every year I got.I lost a very good friend last sunday
Please log in or create a free account to comment.he was only 44 and have 3 young child. He will never has chance to be shame over his age.
I know so many young people around me,who have died last 5 year.
We should be proud over our age exspecially when we look so good as Jillie does.
Sorry for me poor english.
Ella
Happy Birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JILLEE!!! Loved the 51 things you listed . . . . I am going to copy them . . . if that is ok . . . post them at my desk, in my bathroom at home, and share them with tons of people! I had my 51st birthday 11 years ago and you know what . . . IT IS JUST A NUMBER! And look at all the knowledge you have accumulated during that time! Love your blog . . . cannot wait to read it everyday . . . . and I save a lot of the articles . . . well worth saving. So, have a wonderfully blessed day and make your 51st birthday MEMORABLE!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For some reason hitting 30 was the hardest birthday for me to swallow. I don’t sweat the numbers any more. My Grandmother always told me that “any day on this side of the dirt is a good day.”
Happy Birthday Jillee!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday & thank you so much for the list of amazing & powerful words of wisdom!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday Jillee, I will be 68 in a few weeks and I always say getting older is better than the alternative. I intend to add some more to your list and then share it with my family on my birthday. May the coming years be filled with much love, laughter and good health. Thanks for all you do to make our lives and the world better.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday, Jillee! I turn 40 + 1 on Saturday. I had such a difficult time last year, much the same as you. I cried and thought my life was over. I was wrong. I plan on being a “big girl” about the whole thing this year. Your list is fabulous. It’s a keeper!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Liked your post. Age is mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.
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Please log in or create a free account to comment.░H░A░P░P░Y░*░B░I░R░T░H░D░A░Y░
“❤♫❤♫❤.•*¨`*•..¸♥☼♥ ¸.•*¨`*•.♫❤♫❤♫❤
Hi, Jillee! I found your blog about six months ago. I love it and I love your attitude towards life. I turned 50+1 in August and I also am in recovery. It’s been just about four years since I hit the bottom and straightened out my act. Seeing your positive attitude and openness about your addiction is very helpful for people like myself. I have never hid my addiction (as with most – everyone knew I had it before I did!) but I must admit that these past four years have been the BEST in my life.
No kidding!
As I read your quotes I see many of my favorites there. I think people underestimate the importance of positive thinking. About three years ago, I began blogging too, and I have a really decent following in the woodworking and decorative painting industries (I am a designer and work with a woodworking magazine as well as a painting magazine as a contributing editor). I receive so many positive notes from those who follow. Today I posted my 965th blog! (Who would ever think that I had all that writing in me??) I blog almost every day and only miss occasionally. When I do, people come looking for me. I think that on the low days (there aren’t many anymore!) it keeps me coming back. There is nothing like keeping positive people around you to keep you revved up.
Anyway – I am sorry I ramble. But I just want you to know what a great difference you make in other’s lives.
Thank you for taking the time to write. You are definitely someone I admire and look up to.
You are AWESOME! :)
Happy Birthday!!! :D
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great post! Age is relative…..
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Please log in or create a free account to comment.░H░A░P░P░Y░*░B░I░R░T░H░D░A░Y░
“❤♫❤♫❤.•*¨`*•..¸♥☼♥ ¸.•*¨`*•.♫❤♫❤♫❤
Happy Birthday, Jillee! Not only are you a fab & fun 50 +1, you are also very wise! Love your post!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Happy Birthday Jillee! What a beautiful post! I am definitely printing it out.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For some reason my age doesn’t bother me but my kids age does!! For instance I simply can NOT have a daughter who is 22. That is impossible. (Granted I am 42, haha that should not be) But my birthday? No big deal. Her birthday? I freak out. Lol
Great list! Only one disagreement. Anyone who says you can’t buy happiness has never bought (or paid the adoption fee for) a puppy! ;-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love this comment! :) so true
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! Enjoy your day & blessings on your year!
I don’t think I’ve commented here before, but I’ve been a follower for a while and love all your helpful hints.
I feel your pain. I turned 54 this past Saturday. We are just another day older. Personally I’m in denial and still think I’m 23 until I look in the mirror. (rolling eyes)
Lot’s of Love on your special day!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee you are awesome, I too turned 51 this year I am completely ok with the age thing. I don’t feel like I am in my fifties (what is it supposed to feel like lol) but when I look at my kids and grandkids I know I am there. Happy Birthday beautiful lady, I love your blog and your list is just what I would have said if I knew how to put my thoughts into words.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you!
It’s clear both from your post and from the many comments here that mid-life is not a time for crisis but a time for coming to appreciate how we’ve gotten here and where we’re going. At 52, I feel like the idea of mid-life crisis has completely turned on its head and my mid-life is a period of happy reassessment of the rich joys I’ve been privileged to experience thus far, and the brilliant possibilities in my future. I can see that you’re headed forward on a similar path. Kudos to you, and many, many blessings as you fly on upward! Happy birthday.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Kathryn
Happy Birthday, Jillee! All you folks are just babies! I turned 50 + 11 in January! HA! I love your blog, refer friends to it all the time. Thank you for sharing all that you do. Remember, life is a journey and no matter what number our birth certificates say we are, it is our choice or not as to whether we embrace the journey and enjoy all the marvelous (sometimes painful) views. Have a wonderful birthday today!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! I cried when I turned 50. I was working the late shift and felt all alone. Well I just turned 60 last November and I can say I enjoyed every moment of it. I shared it with my son and daughter and my BFF. Life is too short to waste. Live life to the fullest.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I so related to this post!! The entire before I turned 50 I made myself miserable with a million issues with the whole idea of turning 50. It was huge to me, in such a negative way. Then the day came ….. and went ….. and I realized it was ….. JUST A DAY. And I was the same me. It wasn’t at all huge, and really was just a number. I learned alot from that experience, and now at 53, I appreciate the wisdom and overall peace that comes with living this long, and how we are all a continual work in progress. I liked #5 the best: “Kindness matters”. That’s huge to me. One of my favorites, a quote I have hanging above my desk, is similar: “Be kind. You never know what sorrows or struggles someone is hiding behind a brave smile”.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! Love reading your posts so much. Keep it up. Have a beautifu; day!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I also turn 51 in 8 days! thanx for all the positive thoughts and here’s to a fresh new year, CHEERS to you and I and all the others having birthdays!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!!!! It’s just a number. I turned 60 last September. I love it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday!! I really enjoyed all of your beautiful comments. :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday, Jillee! And many more! Thanks so much for your blog. It must take a lot of work to put it together each day. Have a great birthday! God bless!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Gosh. My brother and I just turned twenty in November and it felt…almost scary. Like whoa, we are adults now, and that is overwhelming. So, thank you for this. Seriously, I am so happy to have found your blog. You are the best kind of person.
Happy Birthday Jillee! I am enjoying my 50’s! I am in the midst of parenting 2 teen boys and Blessed to be married to my best friend for almost 34 of my 53 years. LOVE LOVE your daily emails! I learn so much, get encouraged and love your humor . May your Year be covered in GODS Blessings!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing. May God bless you always.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Right on, Jillie, from another 51 year old. You deserve to celebrate, and your life lessons are great reminders. Have a wonderful birthday and never forget that it is better than the alternative.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Have a blessed and wonderful birthday, Jillee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! I am just a couple weeks away from my 50 (+1) birthday and loved reading your wisdom. The best part of being how old I am is being who I am because of it! May the upcoming years give you blessings beyond belief. xom
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILLEE! Thanks so much for the 51 reflections – all so very true. I love your website/e-mails – keep up the wonderful work. Look up, shine on and enJOY your special day!!! Many blessings to you in the coming year!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This has got to be the best thing I have read recently. If more people felt this way and lived it, the world would be a much kinder place. Happy 50th Birthday, make it the best year ever!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much for this!
I shared it with all my friends!
Even tho none of us are close to 50!
At any age this list is sound advice.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.at 55 I find the most interesting thing about this age is :how quickly I arrived
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Also I find it amusing to look back to when I was my kids age (25 and 28) and remember what I thought a 55 year old was …OLD. Now I know differently and find myself suffering their same old people jokes I used to make….what goes around comes around …I guess it’s all part of the game.
Happy Birthday Jilee!! Im 51 also so I kinda get it.. its kind of shocking, isnt it.. You dont FEEL those numbers.. so dont sweat it.. I’ve always said, Im not getting older, Im getting wiser.. and thats my story & Im sticking to it. ;)
Looking forward to sharing these wonderful reflections with others who I know will love them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Lots of blessings & many many more wonderful Jillee years.
Thank you so much for sharing your birthday with us. I loved what you shared. I am going to print them out. I need positive thoughts in my life and this is food for the soul. Happy Birthday! I’m so blessed to have found your website.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! (from someone who passed your milestone several years ago)
I love your blog and look forward to each email. Thank you so much for sharing your tips, dreams, tidbits and life.
Enjoy your day!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday lady! Thank you so much for sharing your words of wisdom with us! They ‘speak’ to me, in a deep sort of way. I’m 49 and have been tussling with the fact that I am going to be 50… I think I should feel some sort of way or be grown up or something! Life… it’s crazy, wacky and wonderful!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks again!!
Happy Birthday Jillee!!!
Thank you for sharing all your words of wisdom! They are a blessing and an encouragement!!!
<3 Liz
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! It is an honor to celebrate you! I appreciate all you share in the world!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday….way back when…..the 50’s were “old” but not anymore! It’s just a great beginning! So once again happy birthday from a 58 year old.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.!!!!!Happy Birthday Jillee !!!! Sorry that you felt the need to be in denial in turning 50 — glad that you’re now embracing yourself fully. To me age is just a number and our youthfulness shines in how we present ourselves, how we think, etc.
I actually look forward in becoming a wiser crone – I guess in my upbringing from a European and Argentinian family — a family of all members of various ages is needed and appreciated. We all have something to offer each other. Happy Celebrating your special day as you’re truly make our world a beautiful place to be!
Cheers!
RaVen
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday! Enjoy your day :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.thanks for sharing! i hope you have an awesome day…..
Please log in or create a free account to comment.i turned 52 last week and i feel like the best person i have ever been!!!! i have learned so many things along the way and look forward to learning so much more about myself and the world around me….
blessing to you all!!!
Happy birthday, Jillee! I hope you are having a great day! I am turning 30 on Friday. I share that day with my Grandmother, who is in her late 70s. For me, I cannot believe where the time has gone. I reflected on a lot of what you said above and will apply it a lot to my life because it is not only applicable to my your life, but to mine and everyone else’s too. I have been through a lot this year, medically, and actually through the last decade. Enjoy your day and have fun! Breathe LOL. I will try. It has causes me a lot of anxiety to realize that I am turning 30 LOL xo
~Heather
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday Jilleen’s!
I turned 50 in December and just saying that number was hard.
Your list is great and hopefully it will help me make this year great!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! When I turned 29 in December, I did a similar post with lessons I’ve learned in 29 years. This is always a fun thing to do and an excellent reminder of our blessings and gifts. #7 on your list is my personal favorite —- I love them all, but this is my favorite —- because mission work is so near and dear to my heart. I’ve served in Haiti and all over the U.S. and always feel like I’ve been blessed more than the people I serve. I’m grateful for the opportunities and look forward to future endeavors. I hope you have a wonderful birthday spending time with all those you love.
Nicole @ Three 31
Please log in or create a free account to comment.http://www.kevinandnicole.wordpress.com
Happy Birthday sweet Jillee. May the Lord above bless you with a prosperous year filled with love, laughter, and more time with your family. May you grow closer to HIM, and bring others to know of HIS LOVE.
God bless you,
Alisha
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jillee—you are so special to so many of us!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee! Enjoy your Day and also Celebrate your Life! there are so many people that can use this list well before 51!
happy birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! May your day be Joy-Filled!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I turned 50 +1 in January.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Loved your “51”—#1 is also my favorite quote
Happy birthday Jillee! You are an amazing woman! Thank you for helping so many on a DAILY basis :) *If I could underline “DAILY” to help drive home the emphasis, I would :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!!! I absolutely love reading your posts! It is the highlight of my day. I have always loved Eleanor Roosevelt’s #1 quote thank you for sharing #2. As I read through your thoughts today I couldn’t help thinking how true they were. Thanks again!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.In our family we use the last decade to describe our age…like me…I am now forty-thirteen…and my mom is sixty-twelve. Now doesn’t that sound better. We don’t lie about our age, but somehow it just makes us feel a bit younger. :-) Enjoy your day, love your posts!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday !!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s my birthday too, but I’m 50+9 which is worse still !!
I really enjoy reading all your posts.
Happy Birthday, Jillie! I too skipped my 50th birthday a few months ago, so I can identify with it too well. You are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.As my little 1 year old grandgirlie would say…”Happy, Happy!”
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Love you
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday. I had issues with 45. Halfway to 90 kind of freaked me out. I’ll be 51 in a couple of weeks myself. Enjoy all of your posts
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!!!! From this year forward the years get better and better.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Celebrated my 74th on the 15th. Looking forward to being 3/4ths. of 100 yrs.
Happy Birthday! Hope it’s the best yet! Remember that each birthday has something special to contribute… : )
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee!
It’s my daughter’s and my birthday, too! No wonder I love your site so much!
Thank you for the beautiful reflections. They spoke to me in so many ways.
Susan
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Happy birthday! I turned 50 in November. Love your site! You rock!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, thanks for your thoughts, I will be 50 next year and I am excited about starting a new chapter in my life story!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, Jill. Thanks for all your efforts, your work really is appreciated! *hugs*
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!!! I turned 51 in January and I love your list! Excellent!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday! Age is a number, not a definition. As long as you’ve lived your 50+1 without regrets and look forward to more years, that’s really all that matters.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Seriously? Bah! I honestly would have bet money you were MAYBE 42. You look phenomenal. Keep doing what you’re doing because you’re rocking it, lady! Happy birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HaPpY BiRtHdAy! Don’t worry – it’s painless; 50 was one of my best; I cried my eyes out at all the other “0” birthdays, but at 50, it was almost a calm feeling; had finally reached the phase in my life where I had wasted so much time worrying over things only to realize all I was doing was sweating the small stuff and everything worked out okay. So, enjoy your 50th and celebrate all of the happy times you have had and will have in the future. And thank you for your wonderful blog! Love it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.In our society, we celebrate youth and shallow beauty far too much!! Celebrate the wisdom you’ve gained over the years, the perspective insight through experience, and the joy that comes from living each day to the fullest – happy birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! It’s my husband’s birthday as well!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Great lessons on life for all
Please log in or create a free account to comment.what a wonderful set of reflections to live your life by. If you have learned all these by the time you are 50 and a wee bit, can you imagine how wonderful the next 50 are going to be?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Jillee!! I will be 51 on april 14, I have no idea where all those years have gone to. Enjoy your day! And Thank you for everything you do for all of us!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Eat cake and don’t look back!
It’s not as bad as it may seem. Now you can look forward to those Senior Discounts!!
That is if you remember to ask about them, I always forget.
I loved your post today. You are really inspiring.
So glad I found your blog and your Sisters blogs too.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!
Thanks for posting the quotes. I needed a pick-me-up today.
I was ragged on recently about the fact that I am pursuing my dreams of becoming an author and the fact that I have been married for 3 years but decided not to have kids yet.
Thanks for quote #1 “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~~Eleanor Roosevelt
I really needed that.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Have a wonderfully blessed day, Jillie! I’ll be 50 the end of March…I’m printing up that list for my fridge and maybe bedroom mirror;-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee! I, too, am 50+1 (just turned that last week) so I appreciate all your words! I also want you to know what a difference your blog makes to many people. It’s fun to read, you make our lives easier and more fun. You might not be saving the world but you make our days more fun and brighter. So thank you and Happy Birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy, Happy Birthday!!! I hit that age a few years back but I don’t count it. I say I’m still in my 30’s. This year I’ll be 30-28. When I reach 30-30 then I guess I’ll have to admit I’m in my 40’s,but I’ll start adding the 20’s again . So instead of being 61, I’ll only be 40-21. LOL . Have a wonderful day!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wish you many happy returns of the day, Jillee! Thank you for that encouraging list!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Encouraging post! Have a blessed Birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You are truly an inspiration! Your next 50 years and the legacy you have created will continue to be blessed.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday, Jillee!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday!!!! @->– Love this post!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee!!! I hope you have the best one ever! Celebrate for your 50th and your 51st! Don’t regret not celebrating your 50th. Celebrate it now!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Again, here are two blog posts that might encourage you in turning 50! I know they encouraged me! And in a couple of days I’ll be 53!! There is life after 50! And it’s good!
http://atypicalpastorswife.blogspot.com/2010/02/sweetly-beautifully-stronger-and.html
And my favorite:
Please log in or create a free account to comment.http://atypicalpastorswife.blogspot.com/2009/11/our-brightest-moments.html
Wonderful, beautiful and true. Thank you so much for posting this! Have a gorgeous year!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Jillee…I hope you have many, many, many more!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday little sister, you’re amazing in more than 51 ways! I love you and am very proud of the way you carry yourself through this life :)) Enjoy your day, eat cake and lets go shopping!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy birthday!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.These should lessons for turning 20! Have a wonderful birthday
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This list is amazing and I will print this out and re-read it as often as I can. You are very wise!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I second this!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I third it!
Happy Birthday! I, too turned 51 (Dec 29th)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I did the the same thing you did– I let my
50th slip away without fanfare. Here is to
the celebration of our lives!
Happy Birthday! Just think, it’s ONLY a number! Celebrate it! And like my grown daughter had told me when I turned 50 and was rather “blue” about it…she reminded me that it’s much better than the alternative. It’s much better to BE HERE, than NOT. It’s one more year to love on my family.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Also, thanks for your great website. You are very inspirational to me.
Happy Birthday and Congratulations Jillee! I pray that this will be a thoroughly blessed year for you and your family. :0) I turned 50 + 1 this last December.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday! Love what you said though! :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILLEE ! My prayers and cards always end with ” may God put you in his pocket right next to his heart !” It was a saying that my mom-in-law always used to put into her cards and when she passed away 24 years ago, I felt that she would want me to continue in her stead. Here’s wishing you the very best birthday yet!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just read your comments, what a truly beautiful saying, I will remember it always. Thank you for sharing it. X x x
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Today is my birthday as well, and I’m 52 today. My 50th birthday was the most magical, special and incredible birthday of my life. I was comfortable in my own skin, happy with the woman I have turned out to be. The next two years turned into a whirlwind emotionally, physically, spiritually. I watched as every dream, every wish and every prayer came to fruition and my life was made over anew.
Your 51 things speak to me and I could have written a similar list. I find myself a bit shell shocked over all that has happened in the past 2 years as these events have given credence to the idea that there really can be “too much of a good thing.” I’m in the aftermath, realizing that 50 is not too late to dream new, bigger dreams, to wish new, bigger wishes and to pray harder for those whom I love.
The best is yet to come!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Birthday Lynne. :0)
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