Thoughts For My 40th Birthday
Reflecting and Looking Forward
My thoughts on turning 40…
In a lot of ways, I can’t believe that today is my 40th birthday. Most days, I feel so vibrant that it’s hard to reconcile that I’m stepping into my forties…I still feel young! But, I do joke sometimes that my body is older than I am, thanks to my “80 year old knees.” Actually, that’s not a joke. My body is older than I am.
Stepping into this new decade feels exciting, to be honest. Growing old is a privilege, and I know first-hand from my mother’s cancer battle and death that not everyone gets that privilege. I’m grateful to be another year older.
My thirties were a mixed bag. A lot of hard things like losing my mama, who had been my best friend all my life, made the decade challenging. I faced health battles and triumphs – the best of which was my friend Jessica donating a kidney to me. My kidney transplant was a big deal, but it isn’t something I look back on as “low” from my thirties.
Professionally, I found work with the local school system that I am passionate about and take pride in. I am good at my job, and I enjoy it. That’s a win!
I was blessed to become an aunt to three sweethearts, and auntie life is such a joy. Because my mama, their “Fancy,” is gone, I strive to honor her memory in everything I do for them, hoping to bring a bit of her spirit into their lives.
Deep friendships are a highlight of my thirties. My circle may be smaller now, but it’s filled with deep, meaningful connections. I look around me and see that not many people have the kind of friendship I have with my best friend Anna, and I am incredibly grateful for our sisterhood.
But, I believe one of the most significant things about my thirties was that I became more comfortable in my own skin and became content with (and excited about) the life I get to lead. I may not have anticipated being a single woman as I entered my forties, but I truly would not change it. I am thankful for it! I do not feel lack because of it. I’ve learned to appreciate the freedom that comes with it, allowing me to explore new adventures and passions.
My faith has grown stronger, guiding me through the valleys and peaks of the last decade I find myself constantly recalling to mind the verse in Colossians that says “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” It brings me peace, assuring me that the future is in good hands
All in all, I know myself better, and I know more of what really matters to me. This self-awareness empowers me to say “no” when necessary, so I can say “yes” to the things that resonate with my soul and align more with who I am and want to become.
I value cultivating joy in my life through little things – making a beautiful home for myself and creating rituals in my routines that make each day feel special. I no longer have the (incorrect) perception that I need to “wait on” something – the next house, the next relationship, the next job, etc. – to create a fulfilling life for myself. I’m using my mama’s pretty things and wearing both my grandmothers’ special jewelry because it makes me happy! They aren’t just things – they are reminders of their love and legacy.
My goals have evolved over the years, and I find myself very much looking forward to the next decade. Things that excite me include continuing to build financial freedom and security, traveling to new places, and pursuing creative work – in my formal job, in my home, through Timeless Home Market or by pursuing something new one day. Who knows? But, setting optimistic goals and learning through personal development are essential to me.
I want to continue to grow in knowledge and depth of insight in my faith and to deepen friendships and family bonds that feed my faith. I feel prepared to adapt and face challenges because of my relationships with the Lord and my loved ones.
So here I am, standing at the threshold of forty, overwhelmed with gratitude for the trials, the triumphs, and the lessons that have shaped me. I love my life, and I can’t wait to see what this next decade holds.