When I get older.

On December 5th, 2013 I will wake up and spend my last few hours in my thirties. 10 am will chime, the minute hand will count 21 minutes, and I will start my forties with a smile on my face. Eight minutes later my "baby brother" Isaac will follow. (Twins!)

In the past little while people have asked me how I feel about turning 40. I say, BRING IT ON!

I will not be 29 with 11 years of experience.  I will not be "over the hill".

I WILL BE 40!

I have never shied away from my age.  In fact, I find it amazing that people ever do. Male, Female...it doesn't matter, people hide their age any chance they get.  

Remember when we were kids and we would proudly hold up our fingers to show anyone who asked how old we were? Why did we stop? (Aside from the obvious anatomy issue).

We need to wear our age with pride. We need to take time to reflect on the previous years that have woven to form the fabric of who we have become; but most importantly,  to look ahead at the opportunities waiting to show us who we are meant to be!

What an absolute honour it is to get to live another day; another year; another decade.
So many people of all ages, don't get that chance. I owe it to them to embrace each new year with joy!


I am so fortunate to be starting one more trip around the sun! To laugh with my family during the good times and cry with them through the tough ones. To raise a glass of wine with friends who have been at my side for just a few years, or for many (over 30 years even!!). To run marathons. To watch my husband and kids succeed at karate. How blessed am I?

The lines that are softly appearing on my face are evidence that I have smiled a lot, laughed often, worried some, and cried a time or two.  I could look in the mirror and see that I am getting "old". Or I can be reminded that I have had a life of challenge and victory, heartbreak and love, sadness and joy. Without a doubt, I choose the memories.


So, I will not tiptoe quietly, hoping that I enter a new decade with little acknowlegement.  I will not wish away the years that I am fortunate enough to have lived, even the ones that were extremely hard (believe me, there were brutal ones). Furthermore, I will not age gracefully, even though that's most definitely okay.

I will age enthusiastically. 

I have plans, goals, aspirations.  The year on my birth certificate simply indicates how many years I have lived, not how old I am.

Watch out 40...I'm on my way.

Jessica

"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?" Satchel Paige (1906-1982)

My hospital bracelet.  Pictured beside a Sharpie marker to give you an idea of how tiny it is. I weighed 5lbs, 4 ounces, My twin brother weighed in at 4lbs 11 ounces.