That's me. I am 40 today.
Last night while trying to fall asleep, I was trying to figure out what 40 is supposed to feel like. Am I supposed to feel different? Wiser? Should I feel excited? Anxious?
Then, I thought about my 20's. My 20's were a blur. I spent 8 years consumed with getting my BS, MA, JD and trying to pass the bar exam. I wrestled with my personal demons. The biggest highlight was marrying Husband in 1992. I guess my 20's was the "getting started" phase.
Then, I thought about my 30's. I worked for a small law firm, a big law firm and then for myself. I wanted to carve my niche in the legal community, so I worked long hours. Toward the end of my 30's, I wrestled with whether I should remain in the legal profession or move toward academia. I wrestled with the "Do I want to have kids" thing. Probably the biggest highlight of my 30's was being diagnosed with RA. Basically, my thirties was all about trying to find my place in the world.
Then I thought, I have accomplished a great deal in that time. I earned three degrees, passed my state's bar exam (which is one of the hardest bar exams in the US). I was a practicing attorney. I ran my own business. I married the greatest guy in the world and we are still deeply in love. I found my professional calling by combining the two things I love, the law and teaching. I have wonderful friends. And even though, I still wrestle with my personal demons and the RA, it's not as bad as it used to be. I have come to terms with many aspects of my life. I am in a good place.
So I guess for me, 40 feels like it is now my time. My time enjoy the fruits of my labor. Time to be OK with where my life has taken me. Time to release and let go of any remaining demons. Time change the theme of my life. Time to have fun and enjoy. No worries and no regrets.
So my theme for my 40's is "I will sing a new song."
About Me
- Seeking Solace
- I am a college professor who is fumbling through the chaos of academia, rheumatoid arthritis, working on my PhD and just being a 40 something woman. I used to be a lawyer, which made me a snarky little person. I have a wonderful Husband and a German Shepherd named Junior. They help keep me sane.
Paws to Consider
My Sister's Keeper
27 comments:
happy happy happy birthday to you :)
Hope you have a totally awesome day!!!
Happy birthday! Enjoy it!
Your post is interesting: As my parents have aged I've noticed that they've gotten more relaxed, I suppose that's the same as the "my time" thing. And...does it mean that I have 3 more years to get my shit together? ick.
Happy b-day, sorry we didn't sing to you last night! Have a wonderful day!
"wait for it..."
Happy birthday! I hope your 40s are fabulous. :)
Happy birthday! A new template for a new year (I know it was the other day, but close enough). Hope it's everything you want it to be.
Happy Birthday from the AAS Conference!
I turned 40 a few years back. The way I look at it, turning 40 isn't really so special. After all, we get hung up whenever a digit turns, but if we were using some other numbering system, they that digit would not have changed at this time. In hexadecimal, you are only 28!
A very happy birthday to you!!!
Happy Birthday to you! I hope you've had a fun and relaxing day. I like your reflections of the decades- that's a nice way to think about hitting a new milestone!
btw- did your package make it there? I sent it Monday (by Priority Mail), so I thought you would get it by Wednesday.
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday and WELCOME to the 40's-- they totally rock and so do you!
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you... ;)
happy birthday!!!
Happy birthday! I hope you had a fantastic day! :)
Do do do do do, you say it's your birthday,
do, do do do do do, happy birthday to you!
And I love the new template!
Happy birthday! :-)
Happy *belated* Birthday!
What a great reflective post. I hope you had a wonderful day and all the best to you as you sing a new song!
Happy birthday! (I turn forty this year, too.)
Happy Birthday--sounds like your birthday has been a time of introspection for you!
I hope it was a great celebration!
Happy B-Day and welcome to the 40's.
Happy Belated Birthday!!!
happy belated birthday!!!
Happy belated birthday!!! (love the new template!)
I'm a few days late, but Happy Birthday!!! Caps rule!!!
Thanks everyone!!!!
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