My Midlife Birthday Wish

Posted on 08. Jun, 2008 by Karen in Misc

I’m getting ready to head over to my sister’s house for my 57th birthday celebration.  At some point, there will be a cake — I’ve asked for the lemon bundt cake that my dad used to love when he was alive.  And of course, there will be candles.  Knowing my sister and brother, they’ll try to fit as many candles on the cake as possible without creating a fire hazard — just to illustrate that I am the oldest sibling.

As I near the point when I have to make my birthday wish, I’ve been doing some thinking about what I want — especially how I want to “show up” in words and action during this next phase of my midlife before I hit the big 6-0.  

Recently I read a wonderful book by Tim Brolus, another Michigander, called the Baby Boomers Almanac .  It’s an insightful book on how to live better in the second half of life.  Well, you know how that message resonates with me! 

In his book, Tim shares his “Boomer Credo” which I am incorporationg today into my birthday wish.  You can download the Boomer Credo from the link above but I’m going to share it here as a gift for all as we celebrate the first day of the rest of our lives. 

The Boomer Credo

I believe there is no reason to become a lesser version of me just because I’ve had another birthday.  And that what I think about, talk about, and actually do something about will come about.  I also believe that it’s not enough to just show up, I must be an active participant in my life . . .

 

  • Each birthday is a celebration of my purpose
  • Every experience brings an opportunity to learn
  • I don’t “should” on myself or others
  • I can’t change others, only myself
  • Nobody can do my push-ups for me
  • My experiences match my expectations
  • I remove my limitations by removing my excuses
  • My focus determines my future — the boomerang effect
  • I can’t do everything at once, but I can do something all the time
  • I can’t ignore one area without it impacting another
  • I enjoy the gift of the present
  • Consistency is more important than perfection
  • What you see is what you get — nothing changes until I do
  • I can because I believe I can
  • My future is created from the future, not my past.

Live Long and Live Well

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10 Responses to “My Midlife Birthday Wish”

  1. Jane

    08. Jun, 2008

    HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

  2. Jan

    08. Jun, 2008

    Happy Birthday to You!
    Happy Birthday to You!
    Happy Birthday, Dear Karen!
    Happy Birthday to Youuuuuuu!

    You rock, woman.

  3. Boomer Chick

    09. Jun, 2008

    I stumbled upon you in the search engines. Happy Birthday! Beautiful blog…

  4. Karen

    09. Jun, 2008

    Jane–thanks so much for the birthday wishes!! It was a great day best with family and friends — the best way to usher in my next year. Karen

    Jan–what a great birthday greeting! Thanks for the virtual celebration. And I’m really glad to still be here and rock!! Karen

    Boomer Chick–what a great present to me to have you as a new reader on Midlife’s A Trip today! Thanks for the birthday greetings and feedback and please visit often. Karen

  5. Janet

    10. Jun, 2008

    Hope you had a great birthday :-) I’ll be 51 in a couple weeks…love the Credo!

  6. Karen

    10. Jun, 2008

    Janet–I did have a wonderful birthday and hope you have a great one too! I found the Credo months ago but saved it for this post. I’m glad it resonates with you. Happy Almost Birthday. Karen

  7. Allison

    11. Jun, 2008

    Karen,

    Happy B day! You’ll have to give me the blow by blow when next we talk!

  8. Karen

    13. Jun, 2008

    Allison–love the play on words!. I had a nice birthday. Thinking about being 57 was a little sobering at first. But it gave me an excuse to start creating a new 3 year plan to be celebrate the completion of when I turn the big 6-0. Karen

  9. Candelaria Silva

    14. Jun, 2008

    I’ve just discovered you on midlife bloggers and found that we share the same birthday. I turned 54. I am thrilled to be 54, thrilled to be “in my right mind,” as my grandmother used to say. I’m looking forward to the gifts of this 54th year and hoping for many more years of health and fun.

    Happy Belated Birthday.

  10. Karen

    15. Jun, 2008

    Candelaria–happy 54th birthday!! June 8th was really a great day. I know what you mean about being in your right mind. I also feel like I’m finally “in my skin” — authentic and really me. I’m wishing you the great year you envision and, of course, may happy June 8 returns. Come back often.

    Karen

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