I’m 40. Since March. It snuck up on me like a cat creeping up on its unsuspecting prey. It pounced. And it took me down.
Temporarily.
I’m back up.
I’ve shaken myself off.
Put band-aids on my boo-boos.
And I’m OK.
Shaken a little. But no longer stirred.
It only hurts if I actually think about it. But seeing as I’m too obsessed and pre-occupied with other things (think BlogHer and Sitscation), I should be fine, if only for another 6 months when I become officially…in my 40’s. OMFG!
Really. Some incredible changes have happened to me. Nothing physical. I didn’t wake up one morning incredibly thin with perky boobs.
These changes are taking place and more noticeable on the inside.
And really, only by me.
I’ve realized that, yes…I am quiet. But no, I’m not that shy girl anymore. The one who can’t really look you in the eye. I’m not standing off to the sidelines so much.
I blush still. But it is what it is. I’m not embarrassed or uncomfortable by that anymore. Finally.
Another thing is, I don’t care. Things don’t bother me the way they used to. If someone doesn’t like me, I’m confident enough to know…it’s them. It’s not me. I’m not offended or upset anymore. I can walk into a room and not give a rat’s ass what people are thinking about me and it’s not even meant in a bitchy way. I just HONESTLY, am so OK with myself that it’s so OK what opinion you have. It’s SO liberating!!
My mom used to always say to my sister and myself, it doesn’t hurt to ask for what you want because the worse thing that can happen is, they’ll tell you no. And you know what?! It’s so right! And I’m starting to live by this. How else are you supposed to get what you want? Let me tell you, this goes across the board, for EVERYTHING. Including my husband…hubba hubba. And for things with my blog. Who else is going to take care of me and my kids if I can’t open my mouth and take care of things myself!!
Let’s talk about the sex at 40. I think, because of all the other changes, it’s become even more…SATISFYING. Not that, since we’ve gotten married, it’s ever been any different. Actually, since around age 35 it’s been wonderful. And it keeps getting better. Which makes me, um, want it more. And if this is considered T.M.I…oh well. See my second point…I don’t care.:)
I’ve learned to say what’s on my mind and stand true to my convictions. Without worrying about offending anyone too badly. After all, it’s my mind and my convictions. I do happen to have a sense of decorum, especially in person, and I know how to read the crowd I’m with so I can thought and verbally filter myself. I LOVE that I’m able to say what I mean and mean what I say…and it is AWESOME!
And I have to say. While 40 is a very daunting number to me. I’m enjoying the certain emotional freedoms this new life decade has enveloped me with.
But if I find ANOTHER fine line around my eyes, someone will HAVE to pay…
That all sounds really wonderful. And I’m already liking my thirties, so this post makes me very optimistic for the future.
Happy birthday!
I’m glad you’ve embraced 40.
But please, please please promise you’ll hold me when I turn 30. Because ohmygod I think I’ll be very upset.
(Also, remember it’s not nice to throw bricks/ assorted dense objects at scary green avatars. Even if they are being completely vain and petty.)
I would never have guessed you were in the 4-0 club. Happy belated birthday. I hope you celebrated in grand style. I was pretty freaked out about 40. To counteract that, I had a few celebrations, a surprise party and got a nifty tattoo to commemorate the whole deal. It’s true, though. What hasn’t killed you by now has made you stronger and wiser and less prone to care.
I’m closing up fast on 50. By then I hope to be Queen of the World. I love your attitude.
9 more years for me…I’m glad to know it just gets better!
Life & aging do seem to get easier when we embrace the fact that as we are growing older, we are getting wiser & better. We have so much to look forward to as we learn who we are. Turning 40 was a little scary at first. This Friday, July 17th, I will be 42 & even though I have not found a grey or white hair on my head yet, I have found them in other places (arm, eyebrow, TOE, yes, a grey toe hair..ARGH!) I know that a lot of fun & excitement is still waiting for us on our adventure of life!
Wow. I’m older than you are. Nyah, nyah.
And if you didn’t know it, the sex is causing the wrinkles.
LOL! I can’t WAIT to be 40!!!!
I love your outlook. Turning 30 certainly shook me up as well. But I think you’re right.
Just as they say about fine wine. It only gets better with age.
Happy Belated 40th!
Here’s to another 40 years of fabulousness.xx
See…40 is the new 30 sister!! I am so glad you feel beautiful and on top of the world in your skin. Sending you some belated birthday love….mine is coming up soon and I am dreading it! UGH…I have started to hate birthdays.
I’d like to wake up one morning incredibly thin with perky boobs!
Great post! I have changed SO much since my divorce and developed much more confidence and it is freaking great! I love me, and if anyone doesn’t…too damned bad!
Yep, that’s right…who gives a crap? (Not us!)
Nice post!
Ummm 40 is TOTALLY the new 30. xo
LOVE it. You’re inspiring mama! I’ll be 40 in August. Not really really embracing it yet but also thinking I will take the opportunity to kick 40’s ass!
I had a similar experience when I turned 30 in November. It’s sort of weird to think that I will be over 30 in 4 short months…
But I started to care less what people thought about me. I stopped trying to please my parents, my in laws, my church and any one else nosy enough to shake their finger at me.
I am starting to feel comfortable with who I am and where I’m at… 90% of the time
Maybe I will be at 100% by 40. 🙂
Much Love,
Kelly
Welcome to the 40’s!!! I have been a member for 4 years now, and love it for all the same reason’s you have stated!!
One thing I don’t like though, is my body is changing and I can’t fix it as easily – meaning weight – it packs on much easier, and is nearly impossible to get off .
~TidyMom
For me life did begin at 40, cliche as that may be. And now that I’m closer to 50 than 40, it just keeps getting better.