Well, I'm 40... Now What?

It happened. I thought I was prepared. I thought, "I'm going to be more brave. More courageous. More attentive. More... something. 

I need to lose weight. I need to exercise more. I need to quit needing so much. I need to get it. I need to get the passion to get healthy and lose weight. It should be a drive toward, not a cower down outlook. 

As far back as I can remember, I nearly always detested birthdays. Not because they weren't special. Other kids my age were having wonderful parties with their friends. Sometimes I was invited... sometimes I wasn't. But more than anything, they were a reminder for me that youth is a fleeting thing. Even by age 15, I was no longer impressed with the cake and ice cream, streamers and party hats. I'd much rather have chilled with my grandma and watched a rodeo on the television. Or maybe visited a flea market and spend a few bucks on something we certainly didn't need, but wanted nevertheless. 

Even now, it is difficult for me to write this because it forces tears to well up. One thought more and they will surely cascade down my cheeks. But I feel it pressed to keep going, so here it is. The down and dirty  skinny on turning 40. 

​10.) Turning 40 is only slightly better than turning 18. You are fully legal, but you have more guts to do something you wouldn't have done at 18 because you are a little more wiser to the ways of the world. 

9.) Turning 40 is slightly worse than turning 21. You're legal at both ages, but your body has likely failed to maintain it's elasticity... and gravity is surely real!

8.) Sex and sleep are important... but at 40, you value one more than the other. And it can vary from person to person!

7.) At 40, you value your home appliances like a teen values their earbuds or iPhone -- except your appliances are likely to be less expensive. 

6.) At 40, you begin to think about things with more discernment. What seemed like a big deal as a 20-something is now trivial or superficial... but let them neighbor kids walk on your lawn ONE TIME! 

5.) At 40, you realize that if you live to 60, you have about 20 years left. 

4.) Turning 40 opens many doors -- unfortunately, you realize you are weaker now than when you were 25, and have trouble opening many of them. 

3.) You may be on the verge of becoming a grandparent anytime now, and you treasure the moment you find out... and begin planning your assault on your child by spoiling that baby rotten!

2.) At 40, you struggle to make friends, because you lost some good one's when you were growing up and don't want to experience that kind of pain again. 

And last.
1.) You greet each new day with a changed attitude, thankful for it, and praying for more!

Here I am, the same me, just one more revolution around the sun. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it doesn't matter what "plans" you think you have... When your time to shine happens, (and it will), you will rise to the occasion and strut your stuff like the Queen (or King) you are!

I cannot say that it isn't a milestone... "Lordy, lordy, look who's forty" rang several times on my phone from friends and family. What I wouldn't give to have coined the phrase and copyrighted it... I'd be rich! But, here I am, blogging a sob story for all the moms and dads out there looking for insight. Or maybe, just maybe, you turned 40 and happened upon this blog during an internet search for "How to cope when you are officially 40 years old". Either way, I'm glad your here. 

So, slice the cake, scoop the ice cream and pour the punch... Because this year, my 40th year, is going to be MY year to shine! 

​Ciao!