Updated: Dec. 26, 2015
Originally Published: June 7, 2015
I’ve officially hit 39, and on my birthday, I made it a point to announce to everyone that I am totally ready to take on 40. In fact, I might have even thrown up some gang signs and shouted, “I’m going to crush 40!” It’s also possible that I created an exhaustive list of goals to achieve before the big 4-0, which stressed me out so much that I needed an afternoon nap. Just maybe.
Since turning 39, my mind has been buzzing with thoughts. Here are some of them:
- My kids are sharing knowledge that amazes me. I always suspected that thunder is the sound of lightning breaking the sound barrier, but when my son casually dropped that fact to his sister, I was like, “Of course!”
- Oh my gosh, my skin is going haywire. I’ve consulted dermatologists, seen facialists, and tried wishful thinking. What I’ve come to realize is that staying hydrated is crucial, and yes, chin zits are now part of my pizza enjoyment price.
- My recovery time post-exercise, post-drinking, or even after sitting in a cross-legged position is just not what it used to be. My body is sending clear signals: “You’re not in your prime anymore, lady.”
- I’m all for seeking inner peace. Some days, I find it through meditation, and other days, regrettably, it comes from a little bit of wine. Namaste, Two-Buck Chuck.
- I feel grateful to text my mom for her dumpling recipe because I know I won’t always have that opportunity.
- I have no time for fleeting friendships anymore. The connections I nurture now are permanent, whether those friends like it or not.
- Sometimes, I relish sitting down to do absolutely nothing. Just like an elderly gentleman.
- I find myself contemplating mortality more frequently—my own, my parents’, even my favorite aging actors.
- I’m quite serious about my goals now. It honestly feels like it’s now or never.
- Perfectionism that haunted me in my 20s? I’m over that.
- I no longer worry if someone doesn’t like me.
- I will now prioritize standing up for myself over being polite.
- I devote a lot of energy to encouraging independence in both my parents and my kids. One moment, I’m guiding my parents with their tech gadgets, and the next, I’m convincing my children that they can grab their own socks.
- I recall my mom saying she couldn’t imagine life without her kids, and now I totally get it. I look at mine and wonder how there was ever a time I didn’t know them.
- And let’s not even talk about that honest reflection I have with the mirror some mornings.
Time seems to be flying by. But honestly, the only reason I might want to revisit my 20s is to indulge in some Ben & Jerry’s without the consequences of waking up to a lumpy surprise on my backside.
If you’re interested in more insights on motherhood and parenting, check out one of our other blog posts.
For those exploring home insemination, you can find reputable kits at Make a Mom. Additionally, the CDC offers great information on pregnancy and home insemination, which you can access here.
Life is a whirlwind at this age, but I’m learning to embrace every moment as I approach this new decade.
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