On 1st January 2016, I sat contemplating the year ahead of me. I was going to turn 50 on 23rd May, but instead of feeling excited about it I was feeling a huge sense of loss and fear. The year would also have heralded my 20th wedding anniversary and my husband’s 50th…instead of which I was facing divorce proceedings and the prospect of spending my 50th (and his) alone.
But I’m not the ‘victim’ type. I wanted to do something that would give me a new focus and carry me through this potentially difficult year. Something positive…and challenging…
And so, 50shadesofbrave was conceived.
50 adventures in my 50th year… some big, some small, some new, some I’d wanted to do for a long time and just never got round to… This would be the year of NO EXCUSES. Oh yes, and a big 50th party too…!
By 31st December 2016, I accomplished the 50 challenges I set myself. One of the challenges was to blog my adventures, so you can read about every single adventure and what I learned about myself in doing them. One thing is certain… those 12 months definitely changed me as a person.
I invite you to delve into my adventures in this blog – the first 50, and the reflections and adventures that have happened (and continue to happen) since. And if you’d like to get in touch, I would love to hear from you!
50shadesofbrave 
Hi Justine, I was just nosing at whose doing the Firewalk on Sat on the just giving website and came across you and then your blog. What a fab idea 🙂 Look forward to seeing you on Sat. We’re getting nervous this end! Emma
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Hi Emma! Thanks for dropping by the blog, and I look forward to meeting you on Saturday x
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You are my biggest inspiration and my shot of hope. Mrs. Justine I want to be just like you when I grow up. I’ll be happily 41 years young on January 15, 2017. I was compelled to share your article on my FB page. I’m very artsy and I’m always open to learning.
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Hi. I saw you mentioned on Authentically 50’s site and stopped by to check out your posts. Found a good one and will keep looking at more. Just wanted to say hi and make a new connection. I’m on here too. -Jay
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Justine, Iam curious to know how you are doing since your last post in April 2018. i am a new blogger and about the same age as you and find others healing journey stories very helpful and comforting. Your move out posts had me feeling like an old friend sharing your loss of the sense of place and connectedness a shared residence providence over the years.
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Hi there facingthevoidblog… I’ve been busy doing up my new house, amongst other things! But it’s high time I posted an update, so watch this space 🙂
Lovely to hear that some of my posts resonated with you x
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