This is Christy. She is my best friend of 31 years. So one could say she's kind of a big deal in my life.
Also, she's likely to kill me when she sees I've thrown in old photos with this post. [Fingers crossed she doesn't!]
We met in 2nd grade when we were in the same class and she sported those fancy permed bangs of the '90s. Over those many years, we have attended music camp, lived as college roommates, shared time in tattoo parlors, backpacked various trails, and served as each other's maids of honor.
Today, she turns 40.
We have spent a lot of time this last year anticipating this milestone as we both enter our 40s. Riding that fine line between complaining about the the drawbacks to aging and reveling in how much more beautiful our lives are now than when we were 20. So when she told me the things on which she was reflecting in the weeks leading up to the big 4-0, I asked her if she'd be willing to write a piece I could share via this platform.
And she did. Below is a collection of her thoughts surrounding this incredibly significant birthday.
Happy 40th, Chris. I love you, and I raise my glass to you.
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39.
That is my current age. I’m married, no children, have a dog, and I live in a beautiful house in Florida. My life is pretty great; not perfect, but pretty awesome. However, there is this looming date that has been ever present on my mind the past few months: my 40th birthday.
Turning 30 was fun. In fact, it was a big party. I rented a house on the beach and had some friends over. It felt like I was finally entering “adulthood”. I owned a townhouse, I was single and travelling. I had no worries. The past 10 years have changed dramatically. I have heartburn. I have to constantly exercise to maintain a healthy weight. I get crazy hangovers from just 3 glasses of wine. My joints and body hurt in places they never used to, etc., etc.
I’m not a writer or blogger, but thought I would share how it feels to enter my next decade of life. I choose to focus on the positives. There are so many negatives about this upcoming date in my life that it’s been getting me down lately. Therefore, I’m writing this to help myself realize all the good there is in aging. This way, I can look back on my 40th birthday and choose not to go into a depression, but rather rejoice and be content in my current stage in life. Bring it on!
So I have come up with a list of all the great things in turning 40. Here ya go!
I have come to be respected at my job. With some added wrinkles on my face, I no longer look like a new grad. This is a big deal as I work in healthcare around a lot of seniors. I still get asked about my age, but a lot less than before. With age comes experience, and I feel like I’m at a level where I’ve become a better leader, mentor, and overall better person at work.
I’m not dead yet! (In that classic Monty Python accent, of course!) Meaning, I still have hopes and dreams. There are so many things on my bucket list still yet to experience and accomplish, and I still have a lot of time left for that to happen. You never really know how much time you have left, that’s for certain. But I’m still relatively young enough to do so much more. See the Great Wall in China. Expand my business as a part-time travel agent. House projects galore. Maybe even try a new hobby.
Hopefully, I will still look 39. Or even younger! Lately, I’ve been changing my diet and exercise routine. I’ve always been moderately active, but I’m kicking it up a notch. I have maintained a healthy weight, but I also train with weights, stick to a low-carb diet (with a few cheat days), and lately have been purchasing only organic and grass-fed foods. How I look will likely change in the mid-40s, but at least when you just enter into this decade, you can fool most with your appearance! This health kick is not only for vanity purposes (we all want to look our best), but also for the long-term benefits. I still want to be active in my senior years, and I’m hoping these changes I’m making now will benefit my future.
I recognize and appreciate what’s important to me. There is a reason my circle of friends is much fewer than 10 years ago. I want quality over quantity when it comes to my life experiences. Priorities alter, more boundaries have been set, and I no longer want to just waste my time. It’s amazing how much faster time goes by the older you get, right?
I think I can finally categorize myself in a generation that can say, “Well, when I was your age…..”. I am blessed to be alive during the most drastic decades of technological changes. From record players, landlines, Nintendo to social media, apps, and information overload! I recently worked with someone born in the '90s who had not heard of Fleetwood Mac. Thank the Lord we had good music growing up.
I’m really, really blessed to have found the love of my life and not have to worry about being on the dating scene. Don’t get me wrong, everyone has a unique path in their relationships. But I went through many years of dating, and I NEVER want to do that again. Some of it was fun, yes, but I feel with all of the online dating going on now that it’s more difficult than ever. I’m also glad to have been single and independent for a long time before “settling down”. Although, I feel that term is so inaccurate. I’ve had just as much adventure and travel during my married stage as when I was single. All my single friends out there: I feel for you and will be there to support you!
I can be a kid again--whenever I want! Many of you know this, but I have a slight obsession with all things related to the Mouse. Yup, my husband and I are among those weird adults that love going to Disney as much as we can. We even MOVED partly to be close to the magic. And did you know we are not the only ones? My goal is to be just like the senior citizens we see in their decked-out, illuminated scooters riding around Epcot with drinks in hand, watching fireworks and still in awe.
Ok, that’s all I got, folks. For all of you entering your 40th year, I hope it brings you great things. Life is all about choices, and I choose optimism. With God’s help, 40 will be the best year yet! Cheers!
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