Today is the big day – my 40th birthday. FORTY years old. I’ve survived four decades. I’m officially over the hill. I know most people don’t look forward to this birthday, especially during a pandemic. I’ve thought about it a lot (probably since I turned 39) and decided I’d love to share how I feel about 40 years old.
Note: This post contains affiliate links
Before I get started, I have to admit that I am not a birthday person. I know there are a lot of people out there who celebrate the entire month and schedule birthday dinner after birthday dinner with all of their close friends and family. I love celebrating my friends’ milestones, but I am just not a birthday person. I’m convinced you either are or you aren’t. I am not.
I can’t remember the last time I’ve had anything even remotely resembling a birthday party. My birthday always falls on the weekend right after Thanksgiving when people tend to travel or are busy with family. I’m definitely more the type to have a small dinner with family or have a fun date with my husband. I rarely even talk about my birthday because it just isn’t a big deal to me. But for some reason, I was ready to celebrate 40.
I have several good friends who have turned 40 over the last few years. We have traveled to fun locations all over the country, scheduled spa days, and had carefree nights on the town. Once the world shut down due to COVID, I knew that my birthday wouldn’t be quite what I hoped for. And you know what? That’s ok.
My best college friends and I all turn 40 this year. We plan to go on a huge couples trip, tentatively to Turks and Caicos. Yep, we are going big. Since all of us are celebrating four decades together, why not. We hope to leave the kids behind and act like we are 21 again for a few days. Who knows when that trip will happen, but we all decided we are going to do it at some point. At least I have that to look forward to, even if we are celebrating 41 or 42.
Here’s the thing. Birthdays are fun, but they aren’t about the vacations and parties. Forty is about entering the second half of life. A phase that is less about growing up and having babies and more about enjoying what you already have.
When I turned 30, I had so many unknowns in my life. Kurt and I had just moved to Arizona, away from almost everyone we’d ever known. We were both working jobs we hated. We didn’t have kids yet, but wanted them sometime in the near future. We were building a house we hoped to raise a family in. At the time, we had no clue what 40 would look like.
I’m beyond grateful to say my 30’s were very, very good to me. I have two wonderful, amazing and perfect kiddos and a husband I just adore. I’ve made some awesome new friends and remained close with others. Kurt and I both started jobs we love instead of hate. We not only built that house we started in 2010, but we moved to another house we truly feel is home. I can honestly say I have every single thing I’d ever want at the age of 40 years old. For that, I am beyond blessed and happy.
While age is just a number, I do feel like taking your health seriously becomes more important around 40. I’ve never liked going to the doctor, but I’ve realized things like mammograms, blood pressure and cholesterol shouldn’t be taken lightly. During my next decade, I’m going to try to be more proactive with my health. This is a tough one for me since I always think the worst walking into appointments, but it’s worth it. I want to be around for at least 4 more decades.
I’ve always been active and love working out, but there is no way I’ll ever return to my college weight. And you know what? I’m OK with that. My motto has become strong, not skinny. I just want to keep exercising and not kill myself at the gym. Make good food choices most of the time and not feel bad when I order pizza or nachos. And sleep. Sleep is my response to stress. I like to sleep and feel my best when I’m well rested.
Friendships change over the years, and that’s ok too. I’ve realized I’m one of those people who would rather have a few really close friends than a lot of people around me. I’ve quit attending every single event I’m invited to and try to spend time with people who genuinely make me feel happy and support me. Life’s too short to waste time on people who don’t make you feel good. I’m lucky to have so many wonderful people around me.
When it comes down to it, I’m ready for the second half of life. I’m excited to see where life will take me in my 40’s. I can’t wait to watch my kids grow, spend more time with those I love, and really appreciate the little things.
Finally, how cute are these party decorations, which came from Confetti Betti. Confetti Betti creates custom party boxes for any type of event. Thanks so much for helping me celebrate my birthday in style.
And with that, cheers to turning 40 years old!
