Yesterday, I found myself at a mommy-and-me class with my little ones when an older mom joined our circle of friends, all in our early thirties. As we chatted about weekend plans, someone mentioned an upcoming 30th birthday bash. The older mom chuckled, taking a deep breath. “You all are so young,” she said with a playful grin. “I’m practically an old lady!”
While she certainly wasn’t an old lady, she was definitely over 40, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy. There we were, with youth on our side, enjoying life, while she seemed to be caught up in activities for a more mature crowd.
But that was yesterday, or rather, eight years ago. Fast forward to today, and I’m on the other side of 40, watching youthful mothers stroll their babies down the street and effortlessly lift them into car seats. Time has flown by, leaving its mark with laughter lines and silver strands in my hair, not to mention the occasional backache when I stand too long. But here’s the thing—I have an important message for all you young folks out there.
Don’t feel sorry for me. I’m having a blast! And whatever you might label as a “midlife crisis” is simply me living my best life. Let me share a little story.
When I was nine, my dad, Charlie, came home one day sporting a massive cowboy hat. We lived in Queens, a borough known for its eclectic vibe and delicious food. My dad, who had always been a tough New Yorker, suddenly developed a love for country music. His car was jam-packed with Johnny Cash tapes, and he traded his sporty tracksuits for flashy Western shirts. He wore big belt buckles and that gigantic hat everywhere, earning the nickname “Cowboy Charlie” from the neighborhood kids. It was all in good fun, and we chuckled at what we thought was his midlife crisis.
Now, fast forward a few decades. A few years back, just shy of 39, I discovered a newfound appreciation for hip-hop and rekindled my love for grunge. Around the same time, I decided to finally get that tattoo I had always wanted. I ended up with a few tattoos, and I started sporting muscle shirts to show them off. My summer shorts got a little shorter because I wanted to embrace my “mom legs,” and without a baby on my hip, I slipped back into wearing heels. I even leased a convertible—my “fun car”—and now I cruise down the highway, blasting hip-hop while sporting my short shorts and heels. I distanced myself from people who brought negativity into my life and made more plans for fun nights out with friends.
None of this was a desperate cry for help. My younger self might have labeled it a midlife crisis—even my mom asked if I was okay! But it’s much simpler than that. I simply wanted to embrace the things that make me happy. It wasn’t about age or feeling bored; it was about joy.
If you’re fortunate, hitting middle age provides a clearer perspective. You still feel youthful, but you realize there’s no reason not to pursue what brings you genuine happiness. You start caring less about others’ opinions, stop attending events out of obligation, and cut ties with toxic people. You know there’s plenty of life ahead, but you also understand it’s not infinite. Reflecting on my childhood, I realize that my dad was just being true to himself, not acting out because of his age.
When you reach a point where you let go of societal expectations and prioritize your happiness, that’s when the real fun begins. So don’t feel sorry for me; I’m just getting started!
And whatever label you want to put on my newfound joy, go ahead—I couldn’t care less!
For even more insights into navigating life and family, check out our other posts, such as this one on home insemination. And if you’re considering becoming a parent, this resource is excellent for all things pregnancy-related. Also, if you’re interested in home insemination kits, Cryobaby offers some great options.
In summary, embracing life at any age is about finding joy in your passions and not letting societal expectations hold you back. So, step into your happiness and enjoy the ride!