This was a big week here. Jones “graduated” from 8th grade (with a 4.0 and the Presidential Education award, no less) and Shoo agreed to go to his first (sort of) sleep away camp. Seriously, my kids are growing up. Of course, big milestones always bring reflection and I realized this week that I’m really digging being in my 40s. I’m halfway through and it’s been a good decade so far. Want to know what’s awesome about being 40?
- I’m much more comfortable in my own skin. I know what I like, I know my own value, and I know my strengths. And because I’m more comfortable with myself, I’m more willing to take risks.
- I have different kinds of goals. Gone are the days when I was chasing the money or prestige at work. I’m no longer concerned with being the biggest or the best or the brightest. I’ve reached a point where my goals are all about things I enjoy – running new races, visiting new places, doing fun new things with my kids.
- I’ve learned to listen to my body. I used to always push through fatigue and minor aches and pains. I’ve now learned that an unplanned rest day can make all the difference in how my body feels. I also know that taking even a week or so off is not a death knell for my fitness or my workout habits.
- I’m willing to let me freak flag fly. We all have quirks. Mine just happens to be a weird addiction to distance racing. And craft beer. And I have a thing for shoes and running skirts… It is who I am – take it or leave it.
- I’ve learned the fine art of not giving a f&ck. Or more specifically, I’ve learned when to give one and when not to. And let me tell you, not giving a f&ck is amazingly freeing.
So far my 40s have been pretty darn awesome. I’ve run twice as many races in the last 5 years as I ran my entire life before that. I’ve run 1000s of miles, raced in 31 states, and visited a crazy number of brewpubs. I’ve taken my children to Ireland and Alaska as well as many of the continental United States. I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone time and again – with running, with blogging, with life. Yeah, I’m loving my 40s and can’t wait to see what awesome things the future brings.
Today, I’m linking up for my usual Friday Five with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia. Stop by and see what everyone else is up to!
I think in my 40s I actually felt kind of lost, so kudos to you! Some of the things you mention I’m still working on — in my 50s!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Weirdos in the pool: Runfessions June 2016
I agree! The 40s have been pretty fantastic for me. I’m getting close to 5-0 and hope that’s a fabulous decade too!
Coco recently posted…Why I’ve Gone Back To A Jawbone UP Fitness Tracker–My Jawbone Up3 Review
I loved my 40s! I really feel like I came into my own in that decade. And you know what? I dreaded the 50s but so far so good!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Runfessions: June Edition
I love this post! I’m not quite there yet but I can tell as my 30’s wind down my attitude on things is already changing (in a good way of course).
Did you see that video from the Holderness Family on being 40? It’s hilarious. If you haven’t you should look it up on YouTube.
Also, I thought of you the other day because I heard on the radio about a Chocolate Chip cookie dough ale that was coming out. I thought “oo I wonder if that’s something McM mama would like”…lol
I’ll have to look for that.
LOVE this! I’m digging being in my 40s now as well and you are SO right about having 0 f*cks to give. Refreshing! I’m still adjusting to bodily changes but all in all totally get the 40s hype! lol.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Top Blog Posts of 2016
I’m much more comfortable with my body now, even though everything was smaller and tighter before. Now I’m like “hey, I just ran 7 half marathons. Look what this old body can do!”
love this – I feel the same about my 30s and have no doubt it’ll just get better and better! have a great weekend!
So many of the things that stressed me out in my 30s are done. It was a rough time for me with pregnancy issues, pregnancy, newborns, deciding to drop out of my career, etc.
I’m not forty yet, but I imagine myself feeling the same way very soon. I’m almost there with most of your points, especially about not giving a F#$! That went out the window years ago.
Haley recently posted…At Home Body Weight Exercises for Busy Moms
I am so much more comfortable with myself in my 40’s as well and I am all about getting rid of things and people that don’t make me happy. Have a great weekend!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Digging Into Pop Sugar Must Have Box-June
So with you on this post!!
So true!!
My girlfriend and I joke a lot about being 40 ad how it is the eag of ‘ I don’t give a f $$k!’ It is such a liberating feeling isn’t it!!
Yeah 40s!
Yes, yes it is.
I love this, it puts me in a good mood just reading it!
It is easy a lot easier to just say, F, why not?! as you get older isn’t it? I am going into my 50’s I could be dangerous 🙂
karen recently posted…It Is Really Not the Dog’s Fault
Yeah, I’m sure I’ll be “that old lady” when I hit 50. ;o)
Yes, 40s have been fabulous for me too! I agree with all of your reasons! So much wiser now than before. 🙂
Sonia recently posted…June Runfessions
I’ve loved my 40s so far!
Heck yes. I love this post!! Just hit 40 and can’t wait what the new decade has in store!!!
San recently posted…Quirks
It’s a good place to be!
These are all so true! I dreaded turning the big 4-0, but now I’m wondering why.
vicki recently posted…Racing Frequency