There are more ways to tell a story today than ever before. The digital world has allowed us many platforms and technologies to connect with our audience, which is the whole point of telling a story! Your goal as a storyteller is to build a bridge and invoke some sort of emotional response. In many cases, that can involve being transparent and vulnerable, allowing your audience to see the true “you” behind the brand. Today, I’m doing just that, sharing a personal journey while leveraging a creative way to tell a story. Join me as I walk you through my thoughts about turning 50, as told by GIFs.While my age has never really bothered me, I’m struck by what a milestone turning 50 represents. Perhaps it’s the aches and pains (I’ll spare you those stories):

But it’s time to stop sweeping it under the rug …

…and embrace where I am and where I’m going. When I was young, I’d often find myself looking towards the age of 50 in terms of goals. I’d say things like, “By the time I’m 50, I want to …”

And now, I’m just about there. No, I haven’t magically turned into a unicorn, but I am proud to have successfully achieved certain goals I set for myself, and to have navigated through situations I hadn’t quite expected, like health issues and divorce.

I’ve accepted that I can control many things, and for those I can’t, I’ve learned to manage to the best of my ability. I stop to pause and take stock more often, and enjoy the opportunity to reflect on who I am and create a vision for the next 50 years.

An in the words of my favorite Saturday Night Live Character, Sally O’Malley: “I’m 50 years old and I like to kick and stretch! 50 years old.”