There is something about our culture today that wants to nudge people out the door or to the sidelines once they reach the half-century mark. But, that's such a waste of wisdom and experience they've accumulated throughout their lives.

Many times, we abandoned things in our youth that really fired us up and gave us a sense of purpose just to embrace more practical jobs out of a sense of duty or necessity when raising a family. Often, that passion still burns within us - even if it's just a smoldering wick.

Turning 50 is the ideal time to rekindle that fire!

As "seasoned citizens," we've done our jobs in raising children, and we've played the corporate game of hustling and striving for little reward or appreciation. Let's face it, we are tired of running on the hamster wheel of life.

We want our lives to count for something and to know with certainty that our brief time on earth really mattered. We know in our hearts that we still have lots of life left to live. In our spirits, we are still as young today as the day we left the security of home to take on a big, bold world.

Unfortunately, when we step off that hamster wheel, we are often unprepared for the next chapter in our lives. Golfing and fishing all day may sound relaxing, and so is meeting friends for lunch. But the lack of meaningful activity often leaves us wondering, "Is there more to life than this?"

The answer is a resounding YES!

This booklet outlines brief profiles of fifty men and women who discovered a renewed sense of purpose after their 50th birthdays. Some of the folks mentioned are well into their 70s, 80s and beyond.

You were created for a specific purpose and instilled with unique traits to help you accomplish that purpose. The challenges that forged your character, the experiences that pushed you to embrace new opportunities, the people who came into and out of your life - everything you've endured so far - has prepared you for this moment.

So, if you're at a stage in life where you wonder if you still have anything meaningful to contribute to the world, rest assured each of these men and women felt the same way. Then, one day, an opportunity presented itself that seemed ideally suited for their unique skills, talent and life experience.

Stepping out on faith to pursue that idea or smoldering desire made all the difference in their lives and to the lives of others. These go-getters found success or fulfillment by following their dreams even when the world was encouraging them to slow down and take it easy.

May their stories inspire you to step out of your comfort zone to embrace the greatness hidden within you. Remember, you were designed for more!