Dear Libby,

I’m a fairly prominent member of Emerson Valley society, and I have a big milestone birthday coming up on June 21st: my 50th. The big 5-0. Everything I’ve been told throughout my life says I should be feeling old and worn down. The problem is that the opposite is true—I feel at least twenty years younger than my actual age. I’m sure you’re asking how this is a problem, and that’s a fair question.

It’s a problem because I have an immense drive to succeed and a very strong personality. No matter what I do, I somehow end up being looked to as a leader. This was great when I was younger, but I’ve been doing it a long time now. Intellectually, I understand that I’ve had my day in the sun. It should be someone else’s turn to take the reins. But I can’t step aside. Quitting just isn’t in my DNA.

Now I’m in a situation where I don’t want to stop and the people around me don’t want me to stop. I really feel terrible for those who have been waiting in the wings to succeed me. Unfortunately, they might be old and gray by the time I’m ready to retire. Or maybe I’ll just keep going forever, never feeling the icy fangs of death nipping at my heels. You’re also a beautiful, successful woman in this town. Would you be able to hand “Dear Libby” over to a younger columnist when you still have plenty left in the tank?

–The White Raven

Dear “The White Raven,”

While I have a sneaking suspicion I know your true identity, I’ll refrain from outing you to my vast readership. I totally understand your dilemma, and I’ve often pondered the matter myself. To answer your last question first: no. I wouldn’t be able to give up “Dear Libby” even if I could feel the life draining from my body. The only way someone else will take over my column is if they’re willing to push my corpse out of the way and use it to climb into my chair.

I don’t see any reason why you should give up your hard-earned position just because other people aren’t capable of reaching the same heights. If someone was worthy to succeed you, they would find a way to take your place the moment they were ready. You won’t be doing them any favors by stepping aside and handing them the reins. They’ll struggle where you succeeded because they didn’t actually earn their place at the table.

Age is just a number anyway. You’re fifty. So what? I’m in my late-thirties and I feel like I’m still 22. You’re whatever age you feel, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you’re in your nineties and still have the energy to do the job, then do it. The world needs more women like us to be role models to young girls and show them that it’s okay to be loud, to step on some toes, and to take what you know you deserve. Keep doing that and everything will work out for the best.

–Lovingly, Libby

P.S.: Happy Birthday! Your mushroom risotto recipe is fantastic!