I can't wait to turn 50. Shifting my mindset has helped me to not fear aging like I once did.

The author is turning 50 soon.

Courtesy of Anna Lee Beyer

• I spent the last year reframing my thoughts about aging, and now I'm excited about my 50th birthday.
• I've let go of my shame around chronic illness and have rethought my priorities.
• I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

I grew up alongside the internet, coming of age as LiveJournal, webcams, and Facebook shaped how we present ourselves to the world. Those early years taught me to curate my image carefully ...