This Is What Fifty Looks Like

Many years ago, when Gloria Steinem turned forty, reporters were amazed at how good she looked. Her offhand reply, in Gloria's inimitable fashion, was, "This is what forty looks like."

Forty wasn't as kind to me as it was to Gloria. I was heavier, I wasn't in great shape, and I didn't feel very good about myself.

The past decade has been a momentous one for me. Two of my children graduated from high school, and one from college; I earned my MLIS; I lost 38 pounds on Weight Watchers; I ran the New York City Marathon; and I recently re-entered the workforce. I'm in the best shape of my life, and I am feeling really good about myself.

I don't generally shoot selfies for this project, but I wanted to do one on the occasion of my 50th birthday. This is what Fifty looks like on me, and it's a helluva lot better than Forty looked :)

[Kerri]

Fifty looks good :)

[Michelle]

You look fantastic!! *whistles* ;) Congrats on all of your achievements, you should be very proud, and looking fabulous at 50. Happy birthday! x

[Sharonlc]

@kerristephens @shellbelle

Thank you Kerri and Michelle :)

[Isis Weiss]

Wow! I would have never guessed you are 50....you look great! Happy Birthday...my sister's birthday is in two days!!! =)

[Sharonlc]

@isisweiss

Thanks Isis.

And Happy Birthday to your sister!

[Jen Pearson]

Congrats on a great decade!

[Sharonlc]

@jensees

Thank you Jen :)