When I blew out the candles on my birthday cake this past weekend, I thought to myself, "Here I am firmly planted in the fifth decade of my life. And I like it!"

Not because it makes me feel better to say positive things to myself about aging—although self-talk matters. I like it because the week before my birthday I swiftly declined a business opportunity that I knew was not a good fit for me.

The conversation went like this: The woman on the phone said, “Take a few weeks to mull it over.” I replied, “I am most appreciative of your time and don’t want to waste it. I will pass on the opportunity. Thank you.”

Twenty years ago, I would have tied myself in knots ruminating over which way to go. The years of making hit and missed decisions in my career that led to profound disappointments and euphoric victories, paid me back in the form of earned wisdom. I made the right choice for myself, instantly.

While I can't ignore the fact that my body has changed over the years, I love the fact that my fifth decade, combined with a heavy investment in my mental health—I believe any good therapist has been a therapy client too—has blessed me with the mindset to embrace my curves, push-up bra, and menopause support supplements.........

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