On Turning 40
Lately I’ve been getting up at the ungodly hour of 5AM, trying to get an extra hour in my day to do some work. So here I am, at 5:30, catching up on emails, posting special offers on my Facebook page. . .
And the birthday wishes start popping up on my Facebook page.
Normally, I would be excited. I would still get that little thrill in my chest because today is MY day.
You see, I’m a “birthday person”. I love birthdays. I always try to make a big deal out of my kids’ birthdays, my husband’s, etc. I get this from my mom, she’s a birthday person, too.
I love to make someone feel special on their day. And I (usually) love my birthday too.
But this year – yeah, not so much.
I hit the big FOUR OH this year, people. And I’m a feelin’ it. Bad.
I’m MID LIFE.
I’ve hit the half-way point.
How the hell did that happen?
I’m happy to say that I don’t feel “40″. Because to me, 40 sounds OLD.
I remember my parents turning 40. And I thought THEY were old! I can just imagine what my kids think of me turning 40. Sheesh.
In my head, I’m still this girl:
18 years old, with 80′s hair and no clue. And acid-washed shorts! Stylish, I know.
Okay, I can honestly say that I do have *somewhat* of a clue now.
But I still feel new, you know what I mean? I don’t feel like I’m half way there – there’s so much to learn, and see, and do . I’m still bumbling around motherhood, and business ownership, marriage, friendships . . .
Shouldn’t I have it together by now? :/
My twenties were fun, I lived in NYC, got a good job, met a good man, and sowed some (very small) oats.
My thirties were awesome! I got married, climbed the corporate ladder, then came down off that ladder to have my kids. I started my business, and gained a confidence that I never had in my life before.
I started to care less about what others thought of me, and cared more about how I thought of myself.
I’m going to miss my 30′s, but as I navel-gaze in this post, I’m starting to get that little tickle in my chest again.
Because if my 20′s and 30′s were that great, then I hope I can assume that my 40′s will be even better, right? Given the general positive trajectory of my life, I hope I can assume that as I crest that “hill” and start to go over it, that the good things will come even quicker than before.
So, bring it on, 40 – I’m ready for you!
But maybe I should tell my kids that they don’t need to announce my new age to everyone they meet today.
I am so looking forward to ice cream cake tonight.
I've got 3 kids (under 7) & I run my own business from home. Yep, I'm busy! I'm sharing my lessons learned & fun finds that will make YOUR busy life easier.
Amanda:
October 9th, 2012 at 7:22 AM
My forties have definitely outstripped my thirties, and at forty-two I’m past the shocked part of it all
Party on, and enjoy!!
Amanda recently posted..Guts, I Haz Them!
Gari Anne Kosanke:
October 9th, 2012 at 7:28 AM
Happy Birthday Jenn! 40 isn’t old at all, wait till you hit 52! Now that sounds old, but you know what? I am still a kid at heart!!! I hope you have a great Birthday and enjoy the ice cream cake tonight!
PragmaticMom
Twitter: PragmaticMom
:
October 9th, 2012 at 8:58 AM
40 is the new 30!
PragmaticMom recently posted..Favorite Halloween Books for Kids
PragmaticMom
Twitter: PragmaticMom
:
October 9th, 2012 at 8:58 AM
Happy bday by the way!
PragmaticMom recently posted..Favorite Halloween Books for Kids
On Turning 40 « Just Moms:
October 9th, 2012 at 9:31 AM
[...] post On Turning 40 appeared first on My Charming [...]
Sofia
Twitter: frompdxwithlove
:
October 9th, 2012 at 9:42 AM
Happy birthday!!! Hope you have a great day and that you get spoiled rotten!
Sofia recently posted..Chicken Chipotle Tacos
Patty
Twitter: pattyaizgag
:
October 9th, 2012 at 9:51 AM
Wishing you a fantastic birthday! 40 is nothing
We are as young as we feel. Plus you’ve got those three gorgeous kids to keep you smiling today & every day. Enjoy your day xoxo
Patty recently posted..Saturday Inspirations
Ginger Kay
Twitter: AFadedGinger
:
October 9th, 2012 at 9:55 AM
Happy birthday! Enjoy your day, and your new decade!
Ginger Kay recently posted..I won’t inspire you.
another jennifer
Twitter: anotherjenb
:
October 9th, 2012 at 12:23 PM
Happy Birthday! I like to think that things only get better as we age. Have fun!
another jennifer recently posted..Trick-or-Treat Like You Care
Jenn:
October 10th, 2012 at 6:36 AM
Thanks, Amanda. I’m hoping to rock my 40′s as well!
Jenn recently posted..On Turning 40
Jenn:
October 10th, 2012 at 6:40 AM
Thanks, Gari Anne! I hope you had a wonderful birthday as well. And the cake was delish!
Jenn:
October 10th, 2012 at 6:41 AM
Thank you!
I’m getting use to the idea of being 40 today.
Ashley
Twitter: adventuresnhapp
:
October 10th, 2012 at 9:45 AM
Happy belated birthday and so far, my own life has proven true to what you stated. Here’s to your 40′s!
Ashley recently posted..October Daily Photo Week One
Jennifer
Twitter: katies_charms
:
October 10th, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Thank you, Ashley!
Karen Rhyne:
December 6th, 2012 at 11:21 AM
I love what you wrote. I am a little older than you, and I sure can relate. Thanks for what you wrote. Makes me not feel strange anymore. LOL
Peggy Bolling:
December 7th, 2012 at 4:17 AM
I cried when I turned 30, got depressed when I turned 40 and when I turned 50 this year I said the heck with it, ain’t nothing I can do about it so rock on LOL
LAMusing:
December 23rd, 2012 at 12:16 AM
I’m now past the 50 turning point and yearn to be 40 again
Alex:
December 25th, 2012 at 1:52 AM
Well you look great for 40!