Can you believe it? I am 40! Well what can I say? It is just great! I can now tell you that life definitely gets better with age. Not only have I started colouring my hair and have gotten over the small trauma of that, but I've also thrown out that metaphorical laundry that crowded the dirty basket of my life. Yes, with age, your tolerance for rubbish diminishes and the results are that you only make room for what's good. Let's face it, who wants to put up with rubbish? The younger me did, but no more and I am free.
I have also freed myself from that horrible invention called the scales. You know, that horrible thing on your bathroom floor? Well no more! I've taken the power back and will never step on one again. The scale stopped telling me how much I weighed, but how I should feel about myself. No thanks! I know how my clothes feel and they can be my indicator - besides, I love clothes, so it really is win-win.
The common theme here is that, which I reiterated throughout the year - no drama . Whether it be with people or with your inner voice that beats you up for every ingested calorie. It also suggest that with the 'no drama' policy, the way we face problems changes too. We don't create problems, we solve them. What a revelation that was! Eventually, unintentionally, you impart that wisdom to your children and, as they get older, they spot trouble before you do, and for that I will always be grateful. Go with your instincts, they are a true gift.
This year has also taught me the ridiculousness of 'never'. It doesn't exist. I truly believe that. On two occasions I was adamant about my convictions and I was proven absolutely wrong within days. Learn it and apply it. It's a great tool to have.
We live in a world full of different types of people. They will show you who they are, and when they do, don't for a second think they will change. They won't. In fact, they will become more of themselves as they get older. What I do know is that, for the most part, people are good, they will show you this when you need them the most. It took my youngest to have her tonsils removed for me to really see that and it was a heart warming lesson. Just remember, if you hear that someone is kicking you down when you are most in need, it's ok to walk away. You can always forgive, but don't forget.
The most incredible thing I discovered, is that you have to seize every opportunity in front of you and things will definitely fall into place and what you never imagined could happen, will happen. Again, never say never.
Although a lot has happened this year, the one thing I do know is that by sharing my journey to 40 with you, it has made me take the time to sit here at my computer, make sense of what was going on in my life at any given time, write it for you and reap the benefits. What a lovely gift from all of you!
Happy 40th birthday to me!
