“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

Now two years into my 50s, I’m finally getting it.

50 isn’t about looking back and wondering where the time went – 50 is about looking forward and embracing the things left to do. More important, being 50 years old isn’t about wondering how to survive until the end; being 50 is about learning how to thrive right now.

With the time I l have left, I choose to thrive and live my best years. If you want to live your best years, too, consider these five ways to thrive after 50.

1. Be Mindful
Don’t worry about the mistakes from your past or uncertainty about the future, stay in the present moment and be mindful of the life that’s before you. Hug someone a few moments longer; savor every bite of a juicy cheeseburger and breathe in each morning’s sweet smell. Do these until the moments become nestled softly inside of you.

2. Try Something New
There’s still plenty of time to gain new experiences. Take a cooking class or learn a foreign language, for example. Learning new things will keep your mind, body and soul fresh and energized so it can continue exploring the wonderful things life has to offer.

3. Use your strengths
Take advantage of knowing who you are by tapping into your limitations, weaknesses and your strengths by using your wisdom to resolve problems, overcome challenges or champion a cause. Being in your 50s is your secret weapon that tells you how to use your life experiences to help others and how to help yourself, too!

4. Take action
The time is now is to do what’s important. Is there a book you want to write, a country to visit or an apology to offer? Being 50 gives you the chance to do these things with more confidence because you have the wisdom and experience to draw upon. And being 50 provides a little nudge to take action sooner, rather than later.

5. Welcome the chance to re-connect with your partner
Knowing how to love your partner, and then showing that love, comes from years of learning what works and what doesn’t. This makes reconnecting with your partner in your 50s a wonderful experience because love has finally found its footing. Even though your love may bend at times, you and partner understand how to keep it from breaking.

Image Source: Google Images

About Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer.