Today is my birthday. I'm 41. Nope, I'm not ashamed of it. After all, I think I'm doing okay. And we all age...the only alternative is not a good one! The objective is to age well, like wine or cheese ;) Aging well doesn't necessarily mean looking like Christy Brinkley at 60...she clearly one the genetic lottery! It means looking and feeling healthy and vibrant. A 46 year old cousin of mine, with 3 kids, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, as was a 48-year-old mom at the girls' daycare. Just being healthy and mobile is enough motivation to get me up every morning and working my butt off to stay that way.
I will admit that turning 40 was a bit of a shit storm for me. It brought up a lot of existential angst about who I am and what I've done with my life. This past year has involved a whole lot of soul searching (thinking, reading, talking, observing). Fortunately, just in time for this birthday, I feel like I've come out swinging.
I've worked through all my shame about 'not keeping up with the Joneses' since I've finally fully realized what I've always preached to my clients, which is, money and material items don't lead to happiness. We may never have a house or car as big or nice as most of our peers' but I am in all ways that count incredibly blessed. I have 2 healthy, wonderful kids, the best husband anyone could ask for, great friends and family, and a career I love. I may not be famous, powerful or rich, but I like who I am. I am smart, kind, loyal and honest. I try to stay true to my principles. I go out of my way to help people. I am a good person and I'm proud of that. I believe that happiness is feeling loved, loving yourself and loving what you do. And I have all that. I am truly lucky!
I also feel fantastic. This past winter I did not, I was a lethargic, mopey mess. I quite by accident realized my antihistamines were causing extreme fatigue, and the cold weather had me huddled indoors and more sedentary than usual. I met my goal this summer of bumping up my endurance by tweaking my workouts and riding my bike everywhere as much as possible. I am very happy with how I look and feel now. I am full of energy and fitter and stronger than I ever have been. 41? Bring it on!
While I feel young and energetic, I am still a homebody, so, no, no going out to celebrate this weekend. Working tonight and tomorrow morning (but, hey I love my work, so no sweat!), and hosting a neighbourhood get together on Sunday.
Have yourself a happy, healthy weekend.
I will admit that turning 40 was a bit of a shit storm for me. It brought up a lot of existential angst about who I am and what I've done with my life. This past year has involved a whole lot of soul searching (thinking, reading, talking, observing). Fortunately, just in time for this birthday, I feel like I've come out swinging.
I've worked through all my shame about 'not keeping up with the Joneses' since I've finally fully realized what I've always preached to my clients, which is, money and material items don't lead to happiness. We may never have a house or car as big or nice as most of our peers' but I am in all ways that count incredibly blessed. I have 2 healthy, wonderful kids, the best husband anyone could ask for, great friends and family, and a career I love. I may not be famous, powerful or rich, but I like who I am. I am smart, kind, loyal and honest. I try to stay true to my principles. I go out of my way to help people. I am a good person and I'm proud of that. I believe that happiness is feeling loved, loving yourself and loving what you do. And I have all that. I am truly lucky!
I also feel fantastic. This past winter I did not, I was a lethargic, mopey mess. I quite by accident realized my antihistamines were causing extreme fatigue, and the cold weather had me huddled indoors and more sedentary than usual. I met my goal this summer of bumping up my endurance by tweaking my workouts and riding my bike everywhere as much as possible. I am very happy with how I look and feel now. I am full of energy and fitter and stronger than I ever have been. 41? Bring it on!
Have yourself a happy, healthy weekend.
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