As we transition into our 40s, it’s common to reflect on the milestones we’ve achieved and the experiences that have shaped us. I turned 40 a couple of years ago, and rather than feeling apprehensive, I embraced this new chapter. Like many others at this stage in life, I seized the opportunity for self-improvement. I took up running, started therapy, and even got my first tattoo, marking my journey with pride.
On my 40th birthday, I shared my excitement on social media, reveling in the good wishes from friends and family. I felt vibrant and youthful—qualities that contradicted the stereotypes often associated with aging. Scrolling through the photos of my peers, I noticed that most of us still exuded vitality and energy. This realization fueled my belief that our generation is redefining what it means to be in middle age. “Forty is the new 30,” a friend remarked, and I wholeheartedly agreed.
However, as I continued to observe my peers, I noticed a curious trend. Many began to obscure their ages on social platforms, removing their birthdates and graduation years. It was as if we were tiptoeing around the topic of age, avoiding the very numbers that signify our accomplishments and resilience. Why should we feel embarrassed about the age we are? At 40, instead of celebrating our life experiences, we seemed to be downplaying them.
When my friends and I turned 41, there was a collective avoidance of the number. Instead, we joked about “aging backwards” and shared memes suggesting that “Age is just a mindset.” The truth, however, is that age is indeed a number, and it represents a wealth of experiences and growth. My heart, which has been beating for over four decades, has endured and thrived through various challenges—childbirth, personal losses, and countless unforgettable moments.
I’ve witnessed friends conquer mountains, write bestsellers, and start nonprofits. Their achievements are testaments to the time and effort they’ve invested in their lives. Although I succumbed to peer pressure and once hid my birthdate on social media, I later realized the importance of valuing my age. Hiding my birth year didn’t erase my life experiences or the wisdom I’ve gained.
While I acknowledge that aging comes with its own set of challenges—such as new laugh lines and the occasional dye job—these marks of life are not something to be ashamed of. Each line tells a story of joy, growth, and resilience. So let’s celebrate our ages and the journeys we’ve undertaken, complete with our faded Polaroids and cherished memories.
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In conclusion, rather than shying away from our age, let’s wear it as a badge of honor. Our experiences and stories are what make us uniquely ourselves, and it is time we embrace and celebrate them fully.