On New Year's day this year when I woke up, Steve said to me, "Happy New Year." I replied back, "I turn 40 this year."
I have been lamenting about it all year. I even typed up a list of ailments that happened to me throughout the year, which I knew would be my demise by the time I hit 40. Guess what? I'm still alive the day after.
Most people I have talked to who are in their forties say that it is wonderful and the best time of their life. It sounds well worth embracing. I guess I have to warm up to the idea. It's weird to think that I am actually that gigantic number that always meant someone old, even when I was into adulthood- 40 has always been OLD.
But...I don't feel that old and it's been comforting that I have been told that I don't look that old. So maybe there is a chance for me to be in love with being 40. As long as I keep getting my eyes checked and a good bra, I could be headed back up the hill.
I LOVE these thoughts from Oprah about turning 40.
"Turning 40 has been major for me," she says. "Camille Cosby told me it would be. She said there will come a time between 40 and 42 when you will really have tired of other people's stuff. You will get very clear about what it is you really want to do and you won't care what other people think. And it happened. I don't know exactly when or why. Camille said it is the realization that time is really all that you have and when you reach 40 you will not be as willing to let other people use and abuse yours."
"At 40, something magical happens to you-something liberating and rejuvenating and exhilarating. You acquire a healthy disregard for what other people think. You gain the confidence to define yourself boldly and on your own terms. You don't accept anyone else's judgments but your own. In short, you stop living your life for other people and start living it for yourself. The force is with you because, at long last, it is in you."
So maybe I'm not ready to go dancing naked in the rain while shouting to the world about how glorious it is that I am 40 and I really don't care what people think. But I am willing to consider that this could be magical and this could be the best time of my life. I guess I'll wait and see.
6 comments:
I get to be the first to wish you a happy 40th on your blog! Yay! I was actually reading your other posts when this one popped up. Okay, I was actually watching the new Twilight trailer (twice) you had a link to. It's looking better. So HAPPY, HAPPY 40th. It really has been great being in my 40's once I got past the "old" thing.
I really think that "over the hill" stuff does not apply any more to age 40! If I could be 40 again, I wouldn't. I'm 64 and loving life each and every day now and it gets better each year. Oh, sure, I have a few more aches and pains than I did when I was that forty number, but you'll see when you look back, it's been a great journey. I feel for you, because I didn't like that birthday either. And, isn't life great because you can wake up every day to meet the challenge. Beats the alternative! So, Happy Birthday, daughter. Forty years ago was a great day for me, too! Love you, Mom
I had a mom at school tell me that in Mexico turning 40 is just another birthday. She thinks we are crazy here how it's such a big thing and with all the black and over the hill stuff. I should have had my b-day in Mexico, I guess.
Happy 40th! Woo hoo! I say "bring it on!". I loved your Mom's comment, it almost made me cry with perspective. What an awesome lady. And, yes, you don't look a day over 30, with that beautiful, long, gorgeous hair. So...when shall we go to dippidy to celebrate? For real...email me and lets grab Karen and make it happen. After all, we are on a roll..... Love you and Happy Birthday!
Dance naked in the rain for sure!!! Or at least come for a late night dip in our pool :)
I think 40 is fab and you make it look amazin!
Happy 40th Deanna! just remember that 40 ist he new 30., You look great still and your fabulous! see you soon.
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