I'm 55, and one of the things that bothers me is only having about 20 years left, too. The last 20 DID fly by. I have so many regrets about how I lived my life due to bipolar...I really let it make so many decisions for me, and led a boring life because of it....always afraid of instigating an episode.

The other weird thing is passing on responsibilities to the next generation. I'm having to adjust to young people taking over the world. lol Closer to home, my kids are all at an age where they are flying off the nest, and it bugs me that they don't (appear to) listen to advice from anyone over 30.

I'm trying to view this as just another phase of life.Mainly, I have to focus more on my health. Laziness has worse consequences for my physical well-being. Everyone always says exercise more. Well now if I don't I can cause myself real problems that are more than just being out of shape.

I have always kinda downplayed my birthday. It doesn't seem like that big a deal. After all, it comes again next year so why get all excited about it? There are very few years that are milestones. I'd say 18, 21 and 65 (when you can retire).

My plan is to try to be less fearful and stay physically healthy. The thing is, I've never placed that much effort into either of those things so it will be continuing challenges I've had all my life. I hope I'm more successful at it these last 20.