Jul 27 2011
Turning 40
This weekend I will be turning 40. I guess this is midlife (ish) and I’m due for some sort of a crisis. I’d love to use that as an excuse to put pink streaks in my hair, but I’m job hunting and that might not go over so well. So, I’ll put that on hold. I can’t think of any other way to celebrate the crisis, but I guess I’m supposed to evaluate my life so far. Here goes.
Where am I in life at 40? Am I where I planned on being? On paper, I don’t think it looks too good. I’m unemployed (ish), I weigh more than I would like, I drive a really old car, my clothes aren’t very stylish, etc. Why then am I more centered and happy than I clearly should be? I mean it really doesn’t make sense, but it is true. My employment issues are certainly real, but I am so excited about becoming a teacher that I look forward to each step in the process. Yes, even if that means subbing for another semester until I find the right place. I learn so much from each day in a classroom that how could I possibly dread it? My weight/unfit issues have driven me to start 30 Days of Moving to keep me on track. In the meantime, I have so enjoyed the community of friends who have joined the endeavor! What a gift that I didn’t even expect! My really old car is “there” for me — it fits all my kids plus a friend, gets decent gas mileage, and I never have to worry about someone stealing it 
My clothes are comfortable and I live in a city where style is all about feeling good, not jumping on each latest trend. So, I’m happy with the “look”. So, overall, things are not perfect, but there is happiness in each imperfect part of my life. I think a major part of how I’m able to see all of this is my faith. I don’t speak often publicly about my faith, but if you know me well you know how important it is to me. I truly, deeply believe that you are not given anything that you cannot handle. I also think that sometimes you have to have patience with life’s hardships so that you can finally see the blessing that they give you.
So, to celebrate my big 4-0 I plan on finally doing SUP and watching my daughter perform with her rock band camp friends. I may sneak some Mexican food in there somewhere, too
You have the secret to life…perspective! Happy life beats how it looks on paper every time. I am so glad to call you friend, even at 40
)
Right back at ya, S!
Happy people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have. Happy 40th!
Thanks so much, Amy
You’re amazing! I’m coming up on 40 myself and I’m constantly trying to assess whether or not I’m ‘where I should be’ in life. It’s a lot more fun when you just throw up your hands and say (in a Popeye the Sailor Man voice) “I am what I am!”
Happy Birthday Felicia. <3
Exactly, Amanda! Popeye was really on to something. I can look back at times in my life when the on paper version of me was way better than the real me. I prefer the way I am now even with all the kinks and crazy
Thanks for the bday wishes!
I am right with ya! I have 2 weeks until my 40th. I was doing really well on the exercise/weight thing until I was laid off about a year ago. I began some emotional overeating and less working out and we all know where THAT leads…
I’m inspired by your attitude!
Happy Birthday, Felicia!!!
Happy birthday! And thank you for not doing that tedious, self-pitying crap that arrested adolescents so enjoy as they age.
At age 45, I’m happier, have more friends, go out more, and have much better sex than ever before in my life. I’m hoping that turning 50 is as far better over 40 as turning 40 was over 30.
You are awesome at 40 – to infinity and beyond! You have more energy and contribute more to your community than most people do at any age. Thanks for all you do and for sharing your faith here… our faith sure does help us keep things in perspective.
Carol- I’m glad you commented. The cycle of overeating/not working out is something I’m all too familiar with. I have to focus and be purposeful to stay off that cycle. Happy early bday to you, too
Lori- Thanks!
Jen- I think people who knew me in my actual adolescence will agree that I definitely enjoyed them and took advantage of my youth
No need to repeat for me! So far I find 40 (all 12 hours of it) to be much more freeing than any age up until now. Thanks for the encouragement about the rest of my 40s 
Betsy – Thanks for your kind words. Faith and friends like you certainly keep me centered
On another note…. my gosh, I use a lot of
s