Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the entire 50th year of life, rather than just the day one turns 50, as a personal jubilee of freedom and opportunity.

Abstract

The article "If You Are 48, You Should Read This" by Keno presents a perspective on the significance of turning fifty, drawing parallels with the Biblical concept of Jubilee. It suggests that the 50th year should be celebrated starting from one's 49th birthday, as each day of that year holds potential for change and personal growth. The author argues that the actual 50th birthday marks the completion of this Jubilee year, contrary to the common practice of celebrating it only on that day. The piece encourages readers to approach their 50th year with intentionality, embracing each moment as a step towards freedom and self-acceptance. It also provides a glossary for some Nigerian cultural references mentioned throughout the text.

Opinions

The author believes that the 50th birthday should be recognized as the culmination of a year-long celebration, rather than a single-day event.
There is an opinion that turning fifty is associated with a sense of maturity, confidence, and the Biblical notion of a year of release or freedom.
The article conveys that the 49th year is an overlooked period that should be lived with purpose and anticipation, as it leads up to the significant milestone of turning fifty.
The author suggests that recognizing the entire 50th year as a Jubilee can lead to a more fulfilling and intentional life, filled with opportunities for personal development.
The piece reflects on the cultural practices of celebrating milestones, particularly in Nigerian culture, and how they relate to the broader theme of acknowledging life's transitions.
It is implied that understanding the significance of the 50th year in advance can positively influence one's mindset and experiences during that time.

If You Are 48, You Should Read This

Already 49, it‘s not too late. 50? You won’t care

Photo by Author on her 50th birthday. All rights reserved

It is simple common sense and a little bit of maths. But people hung up on the big 5-0, miss the obvious.

I turned fifty this year

Turning fifty that is special. It’s the birthday that attracts the biggest parties, well-wishes, gratitude and a sense of maturity. At fifty, you have gone past the mid-life crisis and settled into the concept of having lived half a century. Fifty comes with the confidence and sexiness of self acceptance. It is closely associated with the Biblical belief that the fiftieth year ushers in season of release or freedom.

“Count off seven times seven years, it adds up to forty-nine years … sanctify the fiftieth year, proclaim freedom to everyone who lives in it… the fiftieth year is your jubilee year” Leviticus 25: 8–12

This idea has permeated modern belief with several initiatives linked to freedom are termed ‘jubilee’ for example:

Debt Jubilee is a society-wide clearance of debt from public records
Jubilee Debt Campaign (Drop The Debt) calls for the debt of the poorest nations across the world to be cancelled
Golden Jubilee Foundation focuses on freedom of information

The one thing you must know

If you want your 50th year to be significant, there is one thing you should do.

Start celebrating a year in advance

Over the years, I have attended many 50th birthday parties. I have seen posts on Facebook and sent numerous congratulations. But the fiftieth birthday is not the day to enter your Jubilee. It is the day that completes and validates Jubilee. What should have been recognised and celebrated for a whole year is now done in just one evening. The day you celebrate your 50th birthday, is the last day of being fifty, not the first.

Still confused? Here is the maths

Once a baby is born, it’s first year starts. Bringing joy into the family, every phase brings a new celebration. In Southern Nigeria, we have the traditional naming at seven days. Babies say their first words at 7 months, take first steps at 9 months and so on. The celebrations go on endlessly for my baby’s first year. At the end of that sleep deprived, wonder-filled year. Then a first birthday party with lots of cooing and cake. Your child has completed its first year on earth. The very next day, your precious baby enters its second year on earth.

Fast forward 48 years

You have just celebrated your 49th birthday. For most people, this nondescript day will pass with no fanfare. No Owambe¹ or Asoebi², no Cockroach Brown³ or WhatsApp Green, no Destination events⁴ and certainly no Shaku Shaku⁵ or Gbe body eh⁶. Forty-nine is under the radar. You wake the next day, not realising that you are in your best life ever!

Everybody says, “next year is the big one.” So you spend the year looking forward to what you already are.

Finally, at the last day of the year, with just one precious day left. They celebrate. Honouring just one day, when they could have celebrated a whole year. Aren’t you glad you read this article at 48?

Fifty is pregnant with change and opportunities. A year where every day should be celebrated. A year of Intentionality. A year of Becoming, of Embracing, a year of Freedom. A year of Moments. Your JUBILEE year.

Already 50? As my people would say, ‘all na grammar⁷.’ The beautiful thing about being fifty is none of the above matters anyone. There is a certain persuasion, a carriage, a knowing, a balanced soul. It enables you shake off anything that holds you back. You have an entire life of freedom ahead. Live intentionally.

Still 49? If you have celebrated your 49th birthday, it is not too late. You still have a few months to be intentional about your Jubilee year. I was already 3 months in, when I did the calculations for myself. It changed my outlook.

Happy at 48 You can look forward to your 49th birthday with this knowledge. Be intentional and step into your jubilee year with confidence. Be expectant.

Glossary

¹Owambe: A big Nigerian party or celebration.

²Asoebi: The practice of wearing hand-made clothes from matching fabrics selected by the celebrant.

³Cockcroah Brown/Whats App Green: An example of a colour description given by the celebrant.

⁴Destination events: The popular practice of well-to-do Nigerians celebrating special events in exotic locations with a huge crowd of family and friends.

⁵Shaku Shaku: A popular Nigerian dance mainly for the younger generation.

⁶Gbe body eh (move away): A dance move coined and made popular by the Grammy Nomination Nigerian singer, Burna Boy.

⁷All na grammar: A Nigerian pidgin english slang meaning ‘these are excess or empty words’

Keno’s mission is to build a world of hope through words. Her writing is heavily influenced by her Nigerian background and Christian perspectives. She is working on her first full-length novel, and is the founder of Tiny Life Moments.

I introduce myself better in this article.

Elsewhere, a Stochastic Brain

Hi, I am Keno

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