So it is here. Forty.
A five-mile run. Yoga. Coffee brews while I shower. This is forty with no make-up, hair still wet, wrapped in a goofy bathrobe, as my three year-old dances naked to Of Monsters and Men.
The other day I listened to a coworker who is also forty tell someone that it was all downhill after thirty. Thirty. I thought she was joking, but apparently she was serious. “I’m old and you’re old, too,” she said. I laughed in that you’ve-got-to-be-fucking-kidding-me way. I told her that my thirties were far better than my twenties, and I anticipated my forties to be just as fantastic. I said that I felt sorry for her if she honestly believed it was all downhill because she has decades left on this earth.
However, she lives like she is old. She’s my friend and coworker and I love her, but her light is gone. Once she started believing life was over for her, it was over. She placed the limitation on herself.
Forget that. This is forty riding on a kiddie barrel train because her daughter insisted.
This is forty on Sedona trails.
Showing my girl the joys of hiking.
Taking in these moments.
Living, because it’s not downhill by a long shot.
We are more than a number, yet so many people act as if the number is all that matters. It’s crazy. I’m not a number. I’m a woman. I’m a mom. I’m a human being who is constantly evolving.
I have so much more that I want to do. Increase my yoga practice. Complete a Spartan Race. (Tough Mudder was last year.) Travel. Finish writing the gawddamn novel. Be a terrific role model for my daughter.
I figure I’ve had four decades to warm up. Now it’s game time.
Happy days and long life ahead. Hope you find love too
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
EVOLVE & PROSPER
LikeLike
Amazing and inspiring words! Love your attitude 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Carrie. I can’t imagine letting it all drift by.
LikeLike
Too right you are! I’ve seen this too, and so, I look the person in the eye and say: “And what am I than at 61? Wake up and live life to it’s fullest and you’ll be as old as you feel!” Great post!
LikeLike
Exactly!
LikeLike
welcome to the club. You’re holding better than I am- the last time I ran five miles was 1990!
LikeLike
I have to run. If I don’t, my backside becomes gigantic, creating its own moons, and I can’t fit into my clothes.
And thanks for the warm welcome. I feel like I’m now part of a secret society.
LikeLike
I would tell you where to pick up your platinum walking stick and ceremonial false teeth, but if you will insist on taking part in things called “tough murder” I fear they will revoke your membership.
LikeLike
I believe that’s discrimination. I need the platinum walking stick to beat teenage boys who wear their pants down around their knees.
LikeLike
relax. Gravity is going to take care of those buggers. All you need to do is sit back and watch.
LikeLike
Patience is a virtue I have yet to cultivate.
However, since I know full well what gravity is capable of, I will do my best to chill.
LikeLike
just brilliant
LikeLike
Thanks, skinny badger. I don’t care what the animal world says. You’re sweet.
LikeLike
The same people who tell you forty sucks are the same people who tell you high school is the best four years of your life. I’ve enjoyed my 1.5 years in my 30’s more than I enjoyed all of my 20’s combined. Life just gets better if you allow it to.
You are AWESOME at 40.
LikeLike
You are right on the money about the high school thing. High school sucked and my twenties weren’t all that. Thirties were fantastic and my forties are going to be spectacular. I know it.
And thanks– I FEEL awesome at 40.
LikeLike
I wouldn’t have guessed you even being 30. Not trying to pay you a silly compliment, either. I just would have pegged you for maybe turning 30. Great job, 40!!
LikeLike
I’ll take the compliment. Thanks! I have been using Oil of Olay since I was eighteen. And sacrificing a virgin once a year to the goddess of youth.
LikeLike
Traditional, old world beauty secrets, I like that.
LikeLike
Happy Birthday little girl 🙂
LikeLike
Why, thank you ever so much!
LikeLike
I remember racing through my thirties. At around forty-four years of age I began telling everyone I was fifty. At fifty-three, I was sixty. Now that I’m sixty, I look too young to claim seventy. It’s as though I’ve caught up with myself.
LikeLike
It all flies by, doesn’t it?
LikeLike
I’m closer to forty than not and I’m not worried. Thanks for this positive post on aging.
LikeLike
You’re welcome.
LikeLike