Portrait Of A Young Man at 55

Celebrating my 55th birthday beyond early-bird meal discounts

I turned 55 on January 18th. Not only have I technically surpassed the half-century mark, I'm also at the point where some of those older adult benefits kick in.

For instance, I can now live in a 55+ community. I'm able to order from the senior menu at most restaurants. Plus, free or heavily discounted movies on Tuesday mornings.

In the end, I think reaching the double nickel is more important than hitting the big 5-0. For the latter you're closer to your 40s than your 50s. On the other hand, when you hit 55, you're on the downward slope to sixty.

Okay, I scared myself a little with that paragraph.

Overall, I'm doing okay. Of course, there are the occasional aches and pains from waking up or putting on my socks. On the other hand, I can still get down to the floor at the grocery store to grab a bottom-shelf item.

Getting up? That's a different story filled with guttural old man noises. Why the floor is so far away is beyond me.

Other than type II diabetes and a bit of hypertension I'm fairly healthy. I try to maintain a healthy-ish diet with fewer simple carbs and more fruits and vegetables. I don't exercise nearly as much as I should, which isn't uncommon. However, my stomach hasn't overtaken my waistband yet.

Calm Seas

The biggest difference between 50 and 55 is my mental situation. Ninety percent of the time I'm calm. The voices that overcrowded my brain five years ago have remained quiet over the last year or so.

That doesn't mean one or two don't reappear on occasion. Readers know I lost my contract position in December. I'm in limbo as I wait for unemployment to kick in while looking for new clients. In other words, money is a bit short.

During the Bad Times and right after post-bipolar diagnosis this situation would've sent me down the rabbit hole. Not so much these days. I have faith that abundance is on its way. In the meantime, God and the universe are providing me with the necessary tools to keep going.

The calm seas lapping against my brain's shoreline have helped me move forward since the calendar flipped to 2024. I keep a schedule of writing and job searches (more on that in another article). It's something I've never done as an employee or small business owner. If I can't keep the schedule I don't panic. I refocus my efforts on the next scheduled work day.

55 and Still Writing

"So, Rich, what the ever lovin' f**k does you turning 55 have to do with writing? Other than typing grumpy letters to Perkins because you only got one butter instead of two with your pancakes?"

First, young sir or madam, you have a filthy mouth. Second, I don't go to Perkins, even though it's a fine establishment.

Here's your answer -- I'm still writing. I not giving up on my dreams to publish 500 books before I turn 125. At 55, I've entered a new chapter of my life, pardon the pun. You know what, accept the pun. I'm a older adult with children who's allowed to indulge in dad humor.

What do you call a fish wearing a tuxedo?

Sofishticated

That's right, I went there, you cynical millennials.

This is a call of activity for those of you reaching your 55th year or beyond. Your life doesn't end until, well, it ends. Despite what the news tells you, the world is still filled with wonder and opportunities. Don't let anyone tell you everything has been done.

What Did We Learn Today, Rich?

The best years are ahead of you. Don't look back at what you did or didn't achieve. Look forward to your amazing future.

Yours always,

Rich Scott Keller

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