Embracing My 51st Birthday: A Year of Growth, Reflection, and Gratitude

Izzie - High School Years

Turning 50 last year felt monumental—a milestone that demanded recognition, a celebration, a reason to pause and think. I did all that; I took myself to Paris and soaked in the beauty of a city that had long called to my spirit. I left my 40s behind with a sense of pride, excitement, and just a touch of "What now?" energy. And now, here I am, standing on the first step of 51, feeling...different. Not entirely changed, but perhaps more aware.

There’s something uniquely beautiful about turning 51. It doesn’t have the same “wow” factor that 50 does, but it’s still a number that holds a certain kind of power—like a hidden gem that quietly sparkles. I think the beauty of turning 51 is in the settling in. It's like putting on your favorite pair of shoes; they’ve been with you through all kinds of weather, they’re familiar, they’ve formed to your shape, and they just fit. That's how I feel stepping into 51. A little more comfortable in my own skin, a little less worried about what others might think, and a whole lot more focused on what brings me joy.

Last year, I came into 50 with all the energy of a new beginning, eyes wide open to life’s possibilities. I made plans, set intentions, and felt ready to conquer the world. But life, in all its unpredictable glory, had other ideas. There were highs, there were lows, and there were moments that threw me completely off course. I dealt with some things I didn't plan for (because, when do we ever?). There were days when I didn't recognize myself, and there were days when I was so aligned with my spirit that I could hardly believe my own reflection. I thought I knew what 50 was supposed to look like, but in reality, it looked a whole lot like...life.

So here’s what I’m realizing as I embrace 51: Growth isn’t linear. It’s messy. It’s confusing. And it doesn’t necessarily have a finish line. But it's in that messiness that I've discovered some of the most profound truths about myself. I'm realizing that part of this journey is understanding that there’s no “perfect age” to figure it all out. There's no rush, no deadline. And once you truly accept that, life starts to feel a lot more expansive, more freeing. At 51, I am learning to embrace the becoming. I'm realizing that there’s always more to learn, more to experience, more to love about who I am and who I'm becoming.

If you’re like me and you’ve hit those milestones where you think you’re “supposed” to be settled or “should have” achieved certain things, I want to remind you (and myself) of this: You’re allowed to keep evolving. You’re allowed to change your mind. And you’re allowed to celebrate every version of yourself along the way.

 On Depression, Meditation & Finding My Peace

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is how to protect my peace. Over the years, I've struggled with depression—a shadow that seemed to follow me everywhere. It’s hard to explain how that feels if you haven’t experienced it, but there were times when even getting out of bed felt like an Olympic event. At 51, I've found some balance. Meditation has become my daily reset, allowing me to breathe through the hard moments and find my way back to center. I’ve embraced spiritual practices that remind me I am more than my challenges, more than my thoughts. It’s a daily practice, but it’s one that has transformed how I view my life and my journey.

 A Life That’s Mine

I think part of this beautiful stage of life is understanding that you don’t have to have all the answers. We spend so much of our youth trying to figure out who we are, and I’ve found that it’s perfectly okay to not be so sure. Life at 51 isn’t about being "finished" or "perfect"; it's about living fully, unapologetically, and with purpose. I’m taking more risks, saying yes to what excites me, and more importantly, saying no to what doesn't.

I’m discovering that self-care is more than bubble baths and spa days (though those are lovely). It’s about setting boundaries, finding joy in the little moments, and honoring the woman I am now while still making room for the woman I am becoming. It’s in the way I care for my mind, my spirit, my relationships—and yes, my skin (those smile lines are earned, after all).

 51: A Celebration, A Reflection, A Promise

So, as I step into 51, I’m celebrating. I’m reflecting. And I’m making a promise to myself: To live more, to worry less, to seek joy, to love deeply, and to allow myself the grace to grow at my own pace. Because if I've learned anything, it's that life isn't about the big moments; it's about the in-between, the quiet, everyday fabulousness that makes it all worth it. 

Here’s to 51: To a year of learning, loving, letting go, and living fully. To not knowing all the answers and being perfectly okay with that. To understanding that age isn’t about a number—it’s about a feeling, a rhythm, a journey. And I’m grateful to be on it, every single messy, wonderful step of the way.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my life and my heart. Wherever you are on your journey, I hope you know that you are fabulous, loved, and right where you're meant to be. Let’s walk this path together—one fabulous step at a time.