Embracing My 50s: 7 Helpful Tips to Rise, Reflect, and Reignite

Photo by MKO

After getting bombarded with AARP invitations in my emails for over three years, I finally took the plunge and joined. Yep, I’m now an AARP member and ready to fully embrace my 50s.

And so....

So, how am I really embracing this stage of life? I’ve got seven helpful tips—my little secrets—that I’m excited to share with anyone else who might be in the same boat and struggling to adjust. Just so you know, I definitely don’t have everything figured out yet; this is only the beginning of my 50s journey. Still, I want to share what’s helped me rise, reflect, and reignite so far.

7 Helpful Tips to Rise, Reflect, and Reignite in Your 50s

1. Rise with Gratitude

Each morning is an invitation to live with purpose. Instead of rushing into the day, I begin with a pause. A whispered “thank you,” a stretch, and a moment to acknowledge that I’ve been gifted another sunrise. This simple practice has changed how I show up for life.

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." —Psalm 118:24

2. Reflect Without Regret

The rearview mirror serves to provide perspective, not to inflict self-punishment. I've ceased dwelling on my errors and have begun extracting lessons from them. Writing in a journal has aided me in healing, forgiving, and honoring the person I used to be, while also celebrating the person I am becoming.

3. Reignite with Curiosity

Who says that learning stops at 30? I've started delving into new pursuits, from going back to school to enhance my career to exploring holistic wellness and spending more time studying and contemplating the Word of God. I felt a sense of accomplishment having read the entire Bible twice over the past two years—something I had never done before. My 50s have reignited my intellectual enthusiasm. Curiosity isn't just for the young; it's nourishment for the soul at any age.

4. Nurture Your Temple

After many years, I have come to embrace my body and genuinely honor it as the temple of the Holy Spirit and a vessel for fulfilling God's purpose. I focus on clean eating, sipping herbal teas, going for regular wellness check-ups, and moving gently—these aren’t just fads; they’re rituals that help keep me centered and healthy. By the way, when I say "gentle movement," I’m talking about easy, low-impact activities that are easy on your joints, calming for your mind, and good for your spirit. It’s not about pushing yourself to the limit; it’s about listening to your body and respecting what it can do in this moment of your life.

5. Say ‘No’ Without Guilt

People-pleasing wore me out in my 20s & 30s. In this season, “no” has become holy. It guards my peace, preserves my energy, and helps me show up more authentically. Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re biblical.

"Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'..." —Matthew 5:37

6. Build Your Community

I’ve become more intentional about surrounding myself with life-giving relationships—those who challenge, cherish, and cheer for me. My circle has become smaller but more robust. I keep working towards being the type of friend and individual I desire to have in my life.

Media by Wix

7. Celebrate Your Becoming

I no longer wait for significant milestones to celebrate my progress. Each lesson learned, every burden lifted, and each moment of clarity deserves recognition. Life in your 50s isn't about slowing down; it's a magnificent unfolding.

So there you have it... my little secrets that have been working for me over the past two years.

And so if you, like me, have felt the quiet nudge to embrace this new chapter rather than resist it, lean in. Your 50s are not a fading chapter—they’re a vibrant beginning filled with discovery, healing, and growth. This season invites us to rise with renewed intention, reflect with wisdom earned through experience, and reignite passions that may have been tucked away.

Let’s walk forward—gracefully, unapologetically, and purposefully—knowing that we carry stories worth sharing and a light still burning bright.

Thank you for reading!

Margaret(MKO)