Being 50 has given me clarity on a lot of things. I’m still working on caring less about what people think (unfortunately), but I have come to realize that there is not really much I can do about it anyway (that helps). This fact has given me more power to say no to events and volunteer activities. My sister-in-law says “saying no is like a yes for you”!

I’ve realized that some people just like to assert their power. They’re going to say no, just because they can!  I have that situation now in my neighborhood. The majority of us are in agreement about an improvement we want to make but there is one neighbor that won’t come to middle ground. I’m afraid it has more to do with power than any legitimate concerns about the actual issue.

When you have a job, kids – or both – you’re inundated with service requests. Some of them are meaningful but if you spread yourself too thin, that doesn’t help anyone. Instead of saying yes to a deluge of things as I did when I was a young mom, I’m more selective with what I agree to. In some ways I feel I’ve done my time, and in other situations I just want to preserve some family time – which is so limited with busy teenagers. (I’m still working on the ME time!) I don’t want to be the woman that volunteers for everything and everyone but doesn’t make time for her own family.

I’ve found clarity in trying to find out what is motivating me so I’ve become more selective and it’s working – so, thanks 50 – I appreciate your wisdom!