55 Days Until I Turn 55

As I sit here, contemplating the fact that I am exactly 55 days away from my 55th birthday, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and reflection. Fifty-five—double nickels, as I like to call it—feels significant, not just as a milestone, but as a moment to pause and take stock of the incredible journey that has brought me to this point.

Life is funny like that. It can feel simultaneously like it’s speeding by and crawling at a snail’s pace. I remember being a little girl, watching gymnasts on TV with dreams in my heart, not even imagining what life would look like five decades later. And yet, here I am, a 54-year-old, tattooed, purple-haired, punk rock-loving, IPA-drinking Jewish mam

The Significance of Double Nickels

There’s something poetic about turning 55. It’s not just a number; it’s a statement. It’s about the strength and resilience it’s taken to get here. Fifty-five years of experiences, lessons, and yes, mistakes—because growth doesn’t come without a little mess. It’s a reminder that every single step, even the missteps, has shaped me into the person I am today.

For me, this isn’t going to be just another birthday. It’s a chance to celebrate the big things, like being a mother for 28 1/2 years, a wife for nearly 30 years, a partner to Bill for 36 1/2 years, a coach for 22 1/2 years, and a business owner for 2. And to cherish the smaller, more personal victories, like keeping up with kids 20-30 years younger than I in three different Live Reality Games or finally tackling that pesky mental clutter. It’s also about acknowledging the hard stuff: the struggles, the self-doubt, and the moments where I’ve had to pick myself up and keep going.

I sometimes wonder what 16-year-old me would think of the woman I’ve become. Would she be surprised at the purple hair, the tattoos, and the vintage cat-eye glasses? Probably. But I think she’d also be proud—proud of the boldness, the authenticity, and the refusal to conform to anyone else’s idea of who I should be. And I think she’d be thrilled to know I still listen to punk and ska, keeping that rebellious, joyous spirit alive all these years.

What 55 Means to Me

Fifty-five means embracing the fullness of life—all of it. It’s about radical self-care, a concept I owe to the incredible coaches in my life, including Aransas, Kendra, and Fabienne. It’s about balancing the joyful chaos of being an entrepreneur with the quieter moments of reflection and gratitude. It’s about recognizing that my story, messy and imperfect as it may be, is worth telling.

This year, as I step into this milestone, I’m carrying forward the lessons I’ve learned. I’m holding space for the dreams I’m still chasing, while honoring the dreams I’ve already achieved. I’m doubling down on my commitment to helping others lighten their lives—whether that’s through decluttering their homes, their minds, or their bodies.

Looking Ahead

The truth is, I don’t know exactly what 55 will bring, and that’s okay. Life, much like a gymnastics routine, is a balance of preparation and adaptability. You can plan all you want, but sometimes, you have to improvise. And when things don’t go as planned, you pick yourself up, chalk-up your hands, and get back on the bars.

As I count down these 55 days, I’m inviting you to reflect on your own milestones. What are the moments, big and small, that have shaped who you are? What are the dreams you’re holding onto, and what’s holding you back from chasing them?

For me, this countdown isn’t just about looking back. It’s about looking forward with gratitude, curiosity, and yes, a little excitement. Because the best part about double nickels is that it’s a reminder to live boldly, love fiercely, and never stop striving for the extraordinary.

Here’s to the next 55 days—and the next 55 years.