Staying Curious @ 50

Thank you all for the birthday shoutouts, what a blessing it is to turn 50.

As I look back over the last two decades, my 30s and 40s, I realize how differently each year, each season, and sometimes each day challenged me. Growth did not arrive in neat packages. It came through change, discomfort, lessons learned the hard way, and moments of quiet resilience. As a lifelong learner, someone endlessly curious about life, I have spent these years trying to optimize this journey called life.

As I step into this next decade, I continue to ask myself, “how do I stay mentally and physically strong?” “What practices will help me remain grounded and well when so much pulls at us every day?” This chapter feels less about proving anything and more about sustaining what matters, mind, body, and spirit.

Anyone who knows me knows this about me. I will take a class on anything. Some people find this part of my personality annoying, while others find it inspiring. But I have always wondered, how do you learn what you love if you never try? Curiosity has been one of my most faithful companions and is the foundation of my personal growth.

As I quietly crept into my 50s, I discovered something about myself that genuinely surprised me. I, Kenya, the same person who cried through ROTC boot camp, who finished last in a one-mile run for an Endometriosis fundraiser, turns out to have a bit of athleticism in her after all. Who knew?

My mom and I often laugh about two areas where I have grown the most over the past 30 years: public speaking and athleticism. Ironically, these were two things I once avoided at all costs. I grew up afraid of my own shadow, yet here I am now speaking in front of audiences. The transformation did not happen overnight. It came from being curious and choosing discomfort again and again and trusting that courage grows through practice.

Last month, I wrote about my swimming journey. And truly, who knew I was a strong swimmer? Thanks Sandra for the inspiration. After being encouraged to join a triathlon group, I was shocked to discover that I still had the capacity to grow, to surprise myself, and to redefine what I thought was possible physically. Last year I did my first mini triathlon, isn’t that amazing!

So when people ask me now how it feels to be 50, my answer is simple: blessed.

Fifty feels less like a milestone and more like a mirror that reflects resilience, curiosity, and an ongoing willingness to evolve. I am entering this decade grateful for what I have learned, honest about what I am still learning, and hopeful about what lies ahead.

Twenty five (half my age) principles/beliefs to live by:

1. Live with purpose.
2. Be curious.
3. Be the first on the dance floor, it’s ok..
4. Birthing children was not in the plan, but loving on others’ has always been.
5. Yoga and mobility training – fundamental.
6. Dancing is the greatest outlet.
7. Swimming – good for the mind and body.
8. Running isn’t fun, but necessary.
9. Pay if forward as a way of showing gratitude to those who paved the way.
10. Just because you love unconditionally, doesn’t mean others will reciprocate.
11. Hurt people, hurt people (author quote, unknown). Protect your peace.
12. Forgive.
13. It is ok to ask for help….
14. Be kind to yourself and others.
15. Be authentic and unapologetically you.
16. Embody the Four Agreements.
17. Share your story, someone could learn from it.
18. Treat and pamper yourself. If you don’t, who will?
19. Financially literacy is crucial to survival.
20. Pay your credit cards off at the end of each month.
21. Estate Planning is a gift to loved ones.
22. It’s ok to take a break from being social.
23. Therapy heals.
24. Build a professional network authentically.
25. Not all friends can be all things to you.

Here’s to growth, courage, and continuing the journey, one lesson at a time.

50th Birthday Photoshoot: by Marlo Herring