As our five children grew up, what once felt like a distant memory of young adult life started to become a reality again. We found the freedom to enjoy spontaneous dinners and happy hours, trusting our two teens to hold down the fort. This was a luxury we hadn’t known since we were too young to partake in happy hours ourselves! As we approached our mid-30s, we often experienced a mix of, “Can you believe we’re finally doing this?” and “Wait, are we too old for this?”
Am I too old to party until the bar closes?
Too old to hit the dance floor?
Too old to enjoy some risqué hip-hop?
Too old to wear that outfit?
Too old to embrace this much fun?
Now? How about now?
I vividly recall one night in Las Vegas when we left a club at 4 a.m., and my husband, Mark, said, “We should enjoy this while we can; we can’t be doing this at 40.” At the time, that age felt like a luxury in itself. But now, as I find myself in my late 30s, those once-clear boundaries are beginning to blur.
Recently, Mark and I took a quick two-day trip to Las Vegas, enjoying a concert at the chic rooftop pool of the Cosmopolitan Hotel. We dressed up, arrived early, and staked out our spot. Suddenly, a group of 20-somethings appeared, dressed in similar casual attire—a sight that made me feel a tad out of place in my little black dress. Yet, I decided to cast aside any self-doubt and fully embrace the moment. We danced, sang our hearts out, and even splurged on $16.50 cans of beer. We opted to leave early and got a good night’s sleep, realizing that in my late 30s, I appreciate quality over quantity when it comes to nightlife.
Just last weekend, I enjoyed a getaway with my two best friends from high school, Laura and Kate. Together, we have ten kids, and it was our first time escaping for more than a single night. To celebrate Laura’s birthday, we booked affordable flights to Florida and stayed with my mother-in-law in a retirement community. For weeks, we had been planning this trip, dubbing it our DGAF (don’t give a f***) weekend. Swimsuit anxiety? DGAF. Unsure about our outfits? DGAF. Mimosas for breakfast? Absolutely DGAF.
However, once we arrived at an ocean-side tiki bar and witnessed the 80-somethings tearing up the dance floor, our confidence wavered. “Wow, these folks could teach us a thing or two about DGAF,” Laura remarked.
I used to focus on younger people in social situations, feeling the need to prove I wasn’t too old for fun. But now, I find myself inspired by those a decade or so older, reveling in their carefree enjoyment. I can be like them, I tell myself—partly hopeful, partly confident. Why should age dictate my ability to have fun?
Those spirited 80-year-olds dancing reminded me that age is just a number. Sure, there are things that may seem inappropriate for a 37-year-old, but I’ve already let go of those burdens. In Vegas, I didn’t pretend to be in my 20s; I simply embraced being me. I’ve learned to prioritize comfort over conformity—showing up in stylish boots rather than heels because I no longer care what others think. Plus, it’s easier to walk without limping afterward!
Getting older isn’t just about what you can’t do; it’s about what you can. You can enjoy a vacation with real grown-up money. You can dance until you’re ready to call it a night or opt for an early bedtime without regrets. Ultimately, the only limits are set by my own body, mind, and how much I choose to care about others’ opinions regarding my age, outfits, or lifestyle choices.
I’ve packed a lot of memorable experiences into the last few years, and I have no intention of slowing down. I’m beginning to see that there will always be opportunities to dance the night away, whether I’m 40, 60, or even 80 years old.
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In summary, age should never be a barrier to enjoying life. It’s about finding the confidence to embrace new experiences, regardless of the number of candles on your birthday cake.
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