By Christy Rogers, Owner and Instructor at Training Umbrella
It was February 10, 1980, and my mom had made a Holly Hobby cake for my birthday. It was beautiful! You can tell she really took her time making that cake. After I blew out the candles, I was allowed to cut the first piece. So, I cut off her head. (This might sound like I was a troubled child. I wasn’t. According to my parents, I was just a bit of a handful.)
Fast forward to 2026 and now I’m turning 50. It’s hard to sum up 50 years in a blog so I won’t try to do that, but I didn’t want the time to pass without acknowledging or celebrating this milestone!
Just a few things I’ve learned along the way…
(In no particular order)
- Taking the time to get to know people matters. Asking, “Tell me more about that.” is powerful.
- Understanding that some friendships are seasonal, and that is okay.
- It’s never too late to apologize or to accept an apology.
- You can completely disagree with someone on an issue and still like them. Relationships are not 2D. There is a lot more depth.
- Having tough conversations may be necessary even when it is clear that full support from the group cannot be guaranteed.
- Make time for fun.
- Accept and acknowledge responsibility. This is necessary at times even if you think “it’s not my fault”.
- Be careful to avoid the “When I get X, I’ll be happy” mentality. It’s a trap. Have goals and be happy where you are as you are achieving those goals. Find contentment throughout the journey.
- Take that vacation with the kids. They will be out of the house before you know it.
- You can have it all, just not all at once.
I’m okay with wanting to retire to my bedroom by 9pm and using a Sunday through Saturday vitamin/pill box. I also still listen to the radio while driving in the car and my kids think that’s crazy. I’m now more comfortable in my skin even when I’m overdue coloring my hair.
Cheers!
I share my birthday month with my older brother, Hanley, and my Grandpa Lacy.
