40 Is NOT The New 20
“40 is the new 20.” I’m sure you’ve heard this metaphor or metaphors like this before. I am not sure how it came about but I’m certain that person was not 40+.
In 2023 I celebrated my 40th birthday. Celebrating my 40th was exhilarating and also a blessing.
I have an amazing family, fabulous friends, and several other things I am grateful for. I’m especially grateful to be alive and well, living this wonderful life. However, 40 has come with its own set of challenges. My unexpected health issues were definitely a surprise, but I survived and made a full recovery every time. Getting older has also thrown me a few other curve balls that I was not ready for.
Our kids are young and active which keeps us active too. We love to skate, sit on the floor crafting or building lego, and participating in many other activities with them. While I still participate in all these activities, my body definitely feels the after effects. My body screams when it’s time to take a break, plenty of nights I’m taking Advil PM to soothe those aches and pains.
I used to enjoy all day shopping trips and hanging out with friends and family for hours. Fast forward to me currently, I am that person who is totally ok with someone having to cancel or reschedule plans. I definitely still enjoy hanging out, but I also don’t mind being home and relaxing some days. The pleasure of being home, enjoying the quiet and relaxing is so satisfying. This could be because we are a family that is always on the go with some type of activity or event. Whatever the case, I’ll take a day relaxing at home with 10 pounds of crawfish in front of me any day.
Don’t get me wrong I enjoy being active but I’ve learned that my body and energy level is different these days, and that’s ok!
I am not 20 any more, and that’s ok too! Aging gracefully is OK! I still play with my kids, hang out with friends and family, and hit the town when I want. However, I’ve learned to listen when my body tells me to take a break or that’s enough. I am enjoying this stage of my life. I am living my life on my terms not worrying about judgement or people pleasing, things I’m sure many of us experienced in our 20s. Let’s embrace and celebrate aging like fine wine, and toss out that silly quote while we’re at it. 40 is 40 and I absolutely love it; I’m going to enjoy this incredible life I’ve worked hard to create.
