You’re turning forty tomorrow.
There was a time, not too long ago either, when that phrase would have evoked shivers of dread and possibly even a shower of denial from most women. But not these days, not anymore. And in my book, it’s a very, very good thing.
We women don’t need to fear cresting the proverbial hill into our forties anymore. Because forty? Forty is powerful. Forty is wise and experienced. Forty is creative, uninhibited and confident. And you know what? Being over the hill is good. You don’t have to pedal so hard to get where you’re going…you can sit up, coast, and enjoy the scenery. You can look ahead and see wide vistas unfold before your eyes, instead of always and only seeing the same straight road.
It’s like this: when you’re young, you plan your life. At least we did. We knew where we wanted to be and when. Careers, marriage, babies. Our twenties and thirties were devoted whole-heartedly to these pursuits, and no regrets. But then, one day, you wake up and boom: you’re forty. And you say to yourself, “okay, I did those things, and they were great. My kids are wonderful and getting more independent by the day, I have great friends and a fulfilling career. But…what now?”
And it’s that question, that “what now?” that is so magical. Because it is so full of promise. Of opportunity. Of hope. It’s like rebirth – like being handed your life all over again, but this time you make choices from a place of greater experience and knowledge. This time you make choices with more confidence, self-forgiveness and maybe even a greater sense of adventure or willingness to take risks. You make choices with a better sense of the fragile beauty that is this life.
So, yeah. Forty is nothing to fear. Forty rocks, sister!
You have a wonderful day, and here’s to forty more amazing years!
Excellent. Thanks for letting us be a voyeur into your sister-love. It’s very, very nice. 🙂
Happy almost-birthday, Jen!! xox
That’s actually why I chose that pic! I only wish I had the one that we took in the stairwell that came out looking like swirly ghost lights… 😉 xoxo have a wonderful day tomorrow!!!
Thank you! You are so wise and SO right. I am looking forward to this blank canvas ahead of me. A little scared but mostly excited.
Oh, and btw, that pic represents one of the most EPIC laughing fits ever. Thanks for those too. xoxo