Turning Forty

Last year on my 39th birthday I was already looking ahead and talking about turning 40.  I was a little bummed about it.  Society puts a lot of pressure on certain milestone birthdays and this is one of them.  Random ideas would pop into my head about what turning 40 really meant for me and how my life would change.  Would a number really change me all that much?  I guess that is the big question.

At first, I was most concerned about outwardly things.  Would I have to stop wearing skinny jeans, cute boots, and shirts with a little bling? Do forty year olds wear that type of clothing?  Do I have to cut my long hair and get a bob or pixie haircut?  Then I realized I’m not going to change my personality, my style, my hair color or cut just because one day I’m 39 and the next day I’m 40. Age is just a number and it truly is about what kind of person you are and how you live your life.

Now That I’ve entered a new decade and I’m looking for face products to decrease wrinkles and dark spots, I’ve reflected upon the stages in my life and decided this is the age I would choose to be. If I had the chance, I wouldn’t go back.  Here are several reasons why:

Why I Choose 40

* I think I will always want to be 10 pounds thinner, but I’m actually in the best shape of my life (other than when I was a dancer at 16).  I’ve taken up running and my entire family works out together at the gym.  I’m excited to be spending this quality time with my family while instilling in them the importance of fitness from an early age.

*  I’ve learned things don’t have to be perfect and not everything can be controlled.  In my 20’s and early 30’s I had a hard time with this concept. Trying to control everything is a hard way to live especially when you have young children.  That is too much pressure and sets your family up for a lot of unhappiness.  Kids need to see us learn from our mistakes to see how we handle obstacles that may arise unexpectedly.

*  I have definitely become wiser which has made me a better friend and listener.  I think at this age you truly find out which relationships work for you and which ones are zapping your positivity. You have a better understanding of where people are coming from. Life is too short to spend with people you really don’t care about and who don’t lift you up.

Be at Peace

All the experiences I’ve had have made me the person I am today.  Luckily, I haven’t dealt with too much loss in my life and I have found a peace in my 40’s that I really didn’t have in my 30’s.  I think that comes more from within.  Everyone has flaws, but I’m a pretty confident person, because my confidence comes from me knowing my self worth.  Not in a number on a scale or the latest botox treatment. If you are beautiful on the inside your personality and positivity will radiate outwardly and keep you young at heart.

You’re only As Young as You Feel

Age is just a number.  Live in the moment.  My daughter is a sophomore and I truly love the family trips and holidays with my kids right now.  I know she will be leaving in a couple years for college.  I am trying to live each day to the fullest and truly savor every memory.  Now of course life gets in the way of our plans and things happen, but it’s great to have a purpose, set goals, and try new things.  This is an amazing new chapter in my life and my plan is to live it to the fullest.  I started my blog at 40.  You’re never too old to dream big. I’m looking forward to this amazing year and to see what God has in store for me.  Oh and by the way, I don’t think any one makes a big deal about 41.

Yours truly,

Jenn