Okay, so the secret is out, thanks to Facebook (and, in turn, Twitter), so I really cannot escape it all. I’m turning 40 today – but not until after 4 pm, my mother says. Still, I can’t help but wonder what it all really means. I don’t feel any different. Then again…
I love my parents, but it seems even they think turning 40 is a great opportunity to “rub it in”. They sent me a “40” card and wrote, “If you want to keep all the heat in Florida, try lighting just one candle.”
My sister, I love her so. She did, however, keep me up past midnight texting me all the “40” pictures she could find…
And my husband came to say goodnight, hugged me, and whispered, “Happy Middle Age, Hon.”
I realize that today my age is but a joke to many. That’s okay, I’ve always been able to laugh at myself. Believe me, no age jokes could make me feel older more than the fact that I bought the car I’m driving today when I was 29…
Turning 40 isn’t nearly as bad as turning 30. When you turn 30 you have to accept the fact there are many things you can no longer get away with, or, at least, no longer have an excuse for doing. When you’re 20-something you can do the dumbest thing, and people will respond, “Well, she’s only 2X.” That doesn’t happen in your 30s, and I’m willing to bet it’s really not going to happen now.
Turning 40 isn’t giving me any AHA moments. It’s not like other milestones.
When I turned 16, I remember jumping out of bed, excited out finally being able to get a driver’s permit, get a decent job and, “hey, did my boobs come in yet?”
When I turned 18, it was all about, “Finally, I can do what I want, when I want, I am my own person”. At 21 I could finally go into a bar (legally) and order up whatever I wanted.
At 30, it was all about hoping to still get carded (even though I no longer drank) and looking forward to finally settling down, getting married, becoming a serious businesswoman.
So why don’t I feel any different today? I’m neither anxious nor depressed, despite that my day will probably be spent having lunch, getting my hair cut, maybe going to a movie. After all, my nephews are in school, friends are at work and Joe is snoring (and will be for many hours because he stayed up all night again).
There was a moment when I was concerned that my older clients would no longer say that I’m still just a spring chickie. Then I remembered that they’re not getting any younger, either. I think if anyone should feel old today it should be my parents (insert devilish grin here).
Nah, turning 40 is not some big eye-opening experience for me. Maybe it’s because I’m already grounded and feel that I’m fortunate to have a loving family and great friends. I already wake up every day with renewed inspiration about my business and personal life.
Turning 40 (or any age, for that matter), does have it’s benefits, though. Today I’ll get a free Starbucks drink, $10 off at Victoria’s Secret and perhaps a free lunch somewhere.
But, do keep the jokes coming. They really are funny. And keep in mind – what goes around comes around. And if you’re my sister, who also welcomed me to her club, I’d like to remind her that I’m only in “her” club for five years.
