Forty isn’t old, if you are a tree. ~Unknown
I celebrated my birthday last week. Not too long ago, forty was ancient. Forty was so far into the future, it was impossible to comprehend. I blinked and forty was knocking at my door, like an annoying door-to-door salesman, selling me something I didn’t want. Unfortunately, hiding in the closet wouldn’t help. Although turning forty was horribly frightening, it turned out to be (mostly) fabulous. Here are the highs and lows of being forty.
My job seems easier. I’ve learned a few tricks (and earned a few grey hairs) in my eighteen years as a teacher.
Acceptance of my flaws. I know how to hide my thighs. I accept that I will never be able to sing. I will never be able to grow decent eyebrows.
I am no long asked about babies. Everyone just assumes that I am too old to reproduce.
I have developed a budget that works for me. I am thankful that I do not have to go through the agony of not having any money at the end of the month because I have no plan. I don’t have to contemplate standing on a street corner to pay those end-of-the month bills.
I have developed my own personal style. I don’t have to be a victim to the newest crazy trends. That means no high-waisted shorts and no cropped tops for me this summer.
I make better choices. I have had time to make lots of mistakes. LOTS.
I appreciate the simple things in life. Since I’m not so busy cultivating a social life, I have time to grow flowers and a garden. I actually get up early to watch sunrises. (Once by choice…I’m counting it.)
Everything begins to sag. Everything. What’s up with the knees? And the neck? Those two things definitely caught me off guard. You better believe that I am planning to fight. Just ask my facelift savings account if I’m joking.
The skin texture isn’t the same. No amount of coconut oil and no amount of vegetables is going to give my skin the youthful glow of my early twenties. I have discovered that I can make my skin shiny, but it won’t look young.
My metabolism isn’t the same. No more pizza several times a week and no more potato chips and dessert daily. Decadent ice cream sundaes with chocolate sauce and wet walnuts? Frozen pina coladas by the pitcher? Forget about it. That part of life is over.
Dark circles and eye bags. I pay for wine and processed foods with black, puffy eyes. Since I am not giving up wine, I had to invest in good concealer, purchased by the bulk.
Eyesight fails. I didn’t realize that my sight had deteriorated until I actually put the cute “decorative” glasses I usually wear on top of my head, onto my eyes. Suddenly, everything was much clearer. Oops.
Since I always end on a good note, here’s the best thing about being forty(something)…
I have confidence. I don’t try to please everyone. I have created my own life and I own it!
While I like the thirties, the forties have been better. Maybe I’ll stop having birthdays so that I can claim this age forever. I’ll raise my glass to being forty(something). May I be inspired by my over-forty faves, Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston. These ladies prove that forty(something) is fabulous!
Women are most fascinating between the ages of 35 and 40 after they have won a few races and know how to pace themselves. Since few women ever pass 40, maximum fascination can continue indefinitely. – Christian Dior
What is something that you like/dislike about your own age? Please share!