Today, I am 40. The big 4-0. The first true milestone birthday of real adulthood. While 40 and I have only known each other briefly, here’s what I know about this much discussed age.
It is….
An age with a reputation problem.
An age that offers no apologies.
An age that brings a suitcase of expectations when it comes to visit.
An age that makes you realize when you were 16, you wrote the story all wrong.
An age that dead bolts many doors shut, and opens up ones you’ve been trying to pry for years.
An age that everyone says they don’t feel.
An age where strong kicks skinny’s ass.
An age where healthy really starts to mean something.
An age where perspective replaces worry, and standing your ground replaces unwarranted apologies, and not giving a shit replaces putting up with shit.
An age when looking young or old for your age really starts to separate the crowd.
An age when you are grateful that women in their 20’s still want to hear what you have to say, and men in their 20’s still want to take a look.
An age where you become one with those extra 5 pounds, and you look back fondly on the days when you could lose those 5 just like that.
An age when you care more about not sounding old, rather than not looking old.
An age when you realize your superpowers.
An age where instead of saying, “I’m getting old”, you proudly say, “I’m so glad I made it this far.”
As a woman in her twenties I have to say, I get a LOT of “life advice” but somehow your answers to my questions, tips and general comments about life are the only ones that turn out to be right/true. Thank you for being my guru. Happy birthday to the hottest 40 year old I know.
Hear hear! Thank you for the perspective. I think I’m ready too.
PS Great photo!!!
Looking back (not that far back), it is clear that 40 is really the top of the hill.
At forty, you have wisdom in addition to smarts. Your body can still perform, yet you are much more appreciative for it and are less likely to abuse your health. You have confidence, you know what you know and you are much less willing to put up with shit.
This, you well know.
The fifty and sixty year olds in your life will always try and tell you otherwise, but they’re just drinking their own Kool-aid. After forty, things do start to deteriorate. Memory fails. Eye sight is not the same. The body starts to rust, no matter how well you care for it.
Enjoy forty because it really doesn’t get any better than this.
Well said Jen!
I remember 40 fondly (well most of it anyways… there was a LOT of champagne that year thanks to AJP)
What I remember best is that as a young overachiever, I felt my chronological age had finally caught up with my experience and outlook… I’m sure you can relate.
Best wishes for many more years of health & happiness!
Absolutely loved your thoughts about 40. From my vantage point, fifty looks at 40 with a healthy dose of envy. Having said that though, I’m thoroughly enjoying fifty. I’m also glad that at fifty I find 40 the new thirty, if you get my drift.
I’m wonder how 60 looks at 70? Does 70 care?
And has anyone considered what’s on 80’s mind?
Oh, and happy birthday!