I read that on a bright pink tight fitting tank top recently, and totally wanted to buy it. But I’m only 40 for another 3 months and from what I hear, it’s all downhill at 41.
I jest! I just didn’t want to spend $29.95 on a tank top. Badass ain’t no stupid!
It’s a revelation to accept the changes my heart and mind have made as I age.
Another case in point: I saw an absolutely deplorable photograph of myself recently – so kindly tagged in another person’s Facebook post – thanks ever so much – but after a second of horrified recognition, I kind of sat back and thought “eh. It is. I am. So what.”
This is a colossal change from the me of my 20’s (the 30’s aren’t far enough gone to reflect.) And it is wonderfully freeing. It is also hilarious from a certain slant. I feel more like I did between the ages of 4-11, when aware of myself, but totally unconcerned with others’ perceptions and just in love with and in awe of life – all at the same time. Every minute of every day! Take away: what I look like isn’t important. What I’m capable of is. Thank you 40!
I am also kinder to myself. I sleep more. I say no a lot. I involve myself only in things I truly care about. I spend more time with fewer people. I read more. I keep my mouth closed while learning the clever and beneficial skill of wearing a poker face. I reflect. I look people in the eye. I engage more completely in things I choose to pursue. I watch less t.v. I am more interested in other people and their lives. I enjoy children more.
The List. Goes. On.
The photograph mentioned above, by the way, was taken as I finished running a 5K with my son Luke. It was his first race over 1 mile. I was proud and honored to be there with him. And I will not always be able to run alongside my kid. But I can today.
It is sad, and I actually feel a bit of rage, that I didn’t feel this way about life and about myself at age 22. Youth, in some ways, is wasted on the young! But it is what it is. And I am. So I say- so what. One foot in front of the other.
I have friends, or have known family, representing every decade of life, including, as of April 1st, 100! So my question is this, to those of you older than me: what else do I have to look forward to??
Stone's Throw Away 
What you have to look forward to: opportunities to reinvent yourself any old way you please; the ability to simply “be” without apology or self-doubt; a sharpening of your love of life; a softening of the need to analyze or criticize; a greater adaptability; and most of all you will discover the depth of your wisdom as a woman (good old Maine woman!)
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All that you mention above, Vicki, but with more intensity! Love you, girl…at 40 and beyond. I laughed at your reaction to your tagged photo as I have felt so much like that the last couple of years….so just wait until you are 60! Those photos tell more…..how we have laughed often to make those lines; worried over our loved ones causing all those gray hairs (you can’t prove it is not so!); the new dimensions of our bodies in just the wrong places….the list goes on! Continue to be you….
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Yes. Wrinkles and greys, welcome!
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With my age, I have learned a great lesson…to live in the moment!
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I aspire!
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Sagging skin, aches and pains and gray hair! But most important the ability to look out the window and take joy in the flutter of a bird or sun falling on the grass and yes, the grass is greening. What joy to still be here at 66!
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