This is “the year” for me. The year I turn 40. A handful of my school year friends have reached this milestone already in 2016. They freaked out for days on social media beforehand; and then afterward proclaimed that they are now “Fabulous at 40”. Why is there such a stigma with 40?
WAY BEFORE 40
My college years were filled with uncertainty, stress and excitement. I studied super hard, partied maybe just as hard, and once graduated I realized I was in the “real world”. If that’s not stress-inducing I don’t know what is. Moving to a new state, dating and looking for “the one” was no easy feat either.
Jumping forward a bit, I personally think that year 29 was a year of note. That was the year that I had my first son. Now, that was a year I remember as being trying, filled with mixed emotions (and hormones), a lot of maturing to be had, and a whole new outlook on life.
Year 31 was another year to add to the books – baby #2 came along. Was I going to be able to love my second son as much as I did my first? How am I going to juggle two kids, a full-time job, and sanity? In retrospect, I did just fine. I matured even more, learned how to become a better manager inside the home and the office, and even more grateful for the experiences I’ve had.
PRESENT DAY
I went for my usual eye exam this past October and my ophthalmologist, after checking my vision, made a point to tell me, “I noticed you are turning 40 next year. Don’t be surprised if you can’t read at the same vision level as you can now.” Does that mean that on my birthday, my eyesight is miraculously going to go to crap?
40 IS INEVITABLE – AND WELCOME
When I tell people I will be 40 this year, they look at me with a puzzled face. I have nothing to hide – I actually like to see people’s reactions. I am confident in the way I look and the way I feel. Not overconfident – but comfortable.
I am not afraid of this milestone year. I don’t feel what 40 year olds theoretically should feel like. I forget that I am not in my late 20’s. The only things that have changed to me are my clothing size and the knowledge that I’ve gained over the past 40 years. Changes that I embrace.
Jill @ RunEatSnap says
This is comforting as I am about to turn 30 this year. Age is just a number but it still is crazy how fast time flies and I still feel like I’m 23 (other than if I try to eat, party, or miss sleep the way I did when I was 23 and then I realize nope, I’m 29).
Dana says
Yes, I laughed when I read how you realize your true age after you’ve tried to eat, party or miss sleep like your in your 20’s. That is the wake-up call for me too 😉
Shann Eva says
I’m turning 40 this year too! While I’m a little sad because the years keep going by faster and faster, I’m going to really celebrate it. Can’t wait to hear how you celebrate yours!
Dana says
Yay – we can celebrate together! I am not turning 40 till July – when is your bday Shann?
Terumi says
Yay for 40! I’ll be there soon:) I love hearing posts like this one-40 is inevitable and I’m thankful:)
Dana says
Terumi, we can celebrate together! 🙂
Iryna says
That’s a good post. There is a saying in the old Russian movie: “Life begins at 40”. And many people agree with this statement, that’s when they feel they gained some wisdom and life experience.
That’s really good you’re so optimistic with this milestone. 40 is just a number:)
Dana says
Thank you Iryna! What is the Russian movie? I’d love to see it!!! 🙂
Wendy Tomlinson says
I’ll be turning 44 this June and I can honestly say I have loved my 40’s. I know who I am and I have the confidence now to be the person I really want to be.
Dana says
Wendy, I agree wholeheartedly with you that gaining confidence through the years has made me SO happy!!
Rachel says
I’m far from 40 but can appreciate that people are afraid of an age and then hit it and its fine. It’s like once you hit the age it still doesn’t seem like you are that age or that things are any different!
Dana says
I agree…I always kid around with my boys when it is their birthday and ask them if they feel any different 😉
Courtney says
Great post! I’m only 24 but I often feel like my brain is much older. I’m not afraid of any age and I don’t really see myself ever being afraid. I see people more for their personality and their youthful energy than actual age.
Dana says
I love that you see people for their personality and energy!! I feel like I’m a lot younger than my birth certificate states!
Sarah Ross-Koves says
I was way more afraid of 30 than I am of 40. Bring it on! Thank you for making it okay to age.
Dana says
I think I was hesitant of 30 as well and it didn’t feel any different than I feel now!