50

Most of the time, I don’t lose any sleep over getting older. Not even when the number is a nice, round 50. But then my lovely wife showed up with birthday decorations and a huge “50” sign that read: “Half a century.”

Well… those words hit a little differently.
So today, I’ve officially been around for half a century.

Blimey… time really does fly.

At my birthday party, someone asked me:

“So… what are you going to do differently now that you’re turning 50?”

Good question.

I’d love to make all kinds of ambitious plans and promises to myself. But let’s be honest—it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Still, I want to write down a few reminders for future Dave.

Focus on the fun stuff.

There’s already more than enough drama in the world—including our little WordPress bubble. So avoid it whenever possible. Don’t react immediately. Ever. If you’re about to fire off that reply… slap your own hand. Or better yet, wait three days before responding.

In short: try to become older and wiser. 🙂

Make time for… time.

The thing I miss most isn’t money or “success”. It’s free time. Back in my younger, single years, I had loads of it—and I used it well. I wrote lyrics for songs, comedy sketches, and stand-up material for all kinds of events (especially weddings). Without wanting to brag… some of those lyrics were actually pretty good.

I also played guitar and sang lead vocals in a cover band, plus I had my own little solo project called The Oddballs (“De Zonderlingen”).
Again—not to brag—but I had a pretty decent singing voice too.

Losing that has been something I genuinely miss. It feels like i’m also disconnected from music. I can’t work with background music either. So, i live in silence.

After twenty years of working from home as a freelancer, you barely use your voice. There’s never enough time for guitar, never enough time to sing.
So here’s another note to myself: Dave… pick up that guitar again. Start singing again.

Invest in the people who matter.

When you’ve spent twenty years sitting alone in a home office for ten hours a day, you start realizing how much you miss simply being around people.

The best memories are made together—with your partner, your friends, your family.
For the past few years, I haven’t been buying my parents gifts anymore. Instead, I give them experiences: concerts, cycling races, days out together.

Turning 50 also means entering a new chapter: taking care of parents who are now well into their eighties. And surprisingly, I enjoy that even more than I ever did in my twenties or thirties.

(If you’re lucky enough to still have your parents around, cherish it. My wife lost hers, and that’s a loss that never really goes away.)

Embrace AI.

Well… some things simply can’t be ignored.
This year also marks 20 years of being self-employed.

Over those years I’ve had to reinvent myself more than once. But AI is, without question, the biggest challenge yet—especially if software becomes increasingly commoditized.

So yes, even at 50, it’s time to keep adapting. This really is an era of adapt or die.

We can talk all day about hobbies, technology, work, or free time.
But in the end, none of that matters as much as one thing.

Health.

You don’t realize how much you take it for granted until you can’t.
I’ve already lost people my own age because of physical illness. Others because of mental health struggles.

So why on earth would I complain about turning 50?

The truth is: I’m genuinely happy.
I’m healthy.
I have an amazing wife. (and she’s happy too)
I’m not worried about money.
I have a fascinating job.
I’m my own boss for -good lord- 20 years now!
I get to work with wonderful clients.

So yes…
I’m incredibly grateful to be turning 50.
I am a very lucky bastard, and it’s good that i’m very aware of that.

Happy birthday to me.