My Top 5 "40 Something" Happy Thoughts

I was never afraid of turning 40. The idea never depressed me. It was just a number after all. I suppose it helped that for the longest time I lived as though I thought I was 26. If you asked me how old I was, I could give you the correct answer, but I had to do the math in my head because in my mind I never moved passed the age of 26. I don't know why that was. There was nothing special about that year, it was simply where time seemed to stop. Maybe you understand all this and maybe I'm not alone.

Girlfriend, if you could tell me you relate,

(me quietly exhaling) that would be a relief!

But now I'm in my 40's, and I've noticed my personal time phenomena has suddenly disappeared. I'm 40 something and guess what... I know it.

What does that mean? Well, in as few words as possible, let me tell you four things that remind me daily that I'm 40+.

- The first is my slowing metabolism. Can I just say I love food way too much for my metabolism to be slowing down. Never the less, it is and I'm needing to learn how to eat all over again.

- My number two life change revolves around all those little aches and pains that weren't there in my thirties. They just seemed to start popping up all of the sudden, out of the blue, annoying me every chance they get.

- Wrinkles are third on the "I'm 40 and know it now" list. My biggest nemesis is the "11 wrinkle" that has planted itself right between my eyebrows and makes me look too intense all of the time. I'm not angry, honestly, it's just the wrinkle.

- However, the worst of all these pitfalls that remind me I've breached the 40 wall, are those shifting hormones that have me laughing and crying within the span of 30 seconds.

Menopause. Seriously?

Do I really need to go through this??

Whew. Now that the depressing list is finished, let's move onto happier thoughts, which is what this post is really about. When I was a teenager I couldn't wait to be 20; finally an adult and taking charge of my life. When I was 20, I knew it all and I was going to show my parents how it should be done. But when I turned 30 and was knee deep in little girls I realized I didn't know anything and began to learn what life was really about. Now that I'm in the midst of my 40's, I've lived long enough to have gained some experience. I've run some gauntlets, climbed some mountains and crawled out of some valleys. I can say with confidence, despite the hormones, aches, pains, and wrinkles, I like being 40 something. Why? Let me share with you my '40 Something' Happy Thoughts.

Happy Thought #1 - I am comfortable in who I've become and who I'm continuing to grow into. This doesn't mean I've figured it all out and never struggle with anything, but I do know what I believe, where I've been, where I want to go, and if you don't agree with me or want to go with me, that's OK. I'll be good, and maybe even better than good.

Happy Thought #2 - I've raised two beautiful young ladies who make me very proud and have the ability to show me how to be a better woman. I didn't do it perfectly but they are honorable women whose character shines greater than mine, which tells me that I helped to raise them to be better than me, to set their sights on someone greater than me, and to live for something other than themselves. I'll take that and put it in my joy bucket everyday.

Happy Thought #3 - Because I have put in the time, I've been tested and tried, I can speak with authority on my experiences, both in my successes and failures. Respected wisdom and knowledge comes with age and understanding. By default I am growing in these areas simply because I keep getting older and continue to gain life experience.

Happy Thought #4 - My purpose in life has been defined and refined. When I was heading off to college I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I was done with college, life decisions, whether good or bad, took me on a different path. The 'what I want to be when I grow up' has changed a number of times over the years but with each passing day, my purpose in life has become glaringly clear. Though I am absolutely sure of only a very few things, I do know with certainty why I'm here and what I need to be doing. To keep you from writhing in suspense, let me share. I am here to love and serve others through the means by which God has given me. Plain and simple.

Happy Thought #5 - This year I'm going to have a grandbaby. (do a happy dance with me) What greater joy is there in being 40 something?

Life is a journey I aim to enjoy no matter what stage I'm in. Bring on the wrinkles and the pain, the new trials and the sad times, and I will find the silver lining through it all. Even menopause.

I would love to hear from you! Share your "age" happy thought in the comments below. Then sign up to join my friends list and share in all of life's journeys and adventures with me.

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