50 Years, One Journey

A Toast to What’s Come Before and What’s Still Ahead

I am 50 today.

Yes, today—the big 5-0.

And I fell into the trap.

For years, I imagined fifty as a monumental milestone, a significant life achievement. Despite everything I’ve written about the destination not being the goal, I subconsciously expected something different from this birthday—instant clarity, a leap in wisdom, or a profound shift in perspective. But none of that happened. The only thing I’ve truly felt is a deep appreciation for the people who reached out with birthday wishes. But that’s not new. It happens every year.  

Fifty is just another day on this long and winding road of days. And I’m convinced that fifty only matters because of all the days that came before it. Those are the days of every good and bad decision. The days of falling and getting back up (or being helped up by others). The days of highest highs and lowest lows. The days of every smile, laugh, and tear. The days my chest felt like it might explode with excitement or be crushed in sadness. The days of life at its fullest, and the days of immense grief and sorrow. And, of course, the days of experiencing “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” (That’s how you know I’m really 50.)

I’ve said it before, but the journey itself is the goal. Wisdom is being able to look back at all our days and destinations, through every mountain high and valley low, and recognize that each experience has been a primer for how we choose to walk the days still ahead. Wisdom doesn’t come just from crossing an arbitrary or illusory number. It comes from taking the full measure of everything that’s come before and using it to navigate what’s next with more grace and love (even though those days will present their own challenges and we will still make mistakes).

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating a moment or reaching a new numerical mark. Not at all. But, we miss the full picture and potential if we don’t consider everything that brought us here so we can look forward with greater clarity and wisdom. Whether you are turning 13, 21, 50, 62, or 100, the number matters less than how you carry your past into the present for a more life-giving future.

So, sure, let’s raise a toast for my 50th. But if we do, let’s not raise the glass for reaching a milestone. Let’s raise it for all the days that brought us here and for the chance to forge an even more beautiful and meaningful path forward.

Question

What have the experiences and challenges of your own journey taught you about how you want to move forward?

Peace,

Brandon