You Know You're 40 When...

By nature I have always been a bit of a “glass half empty” kind of girl. I have a logical mind and am pretty much a realist.  As I've grown in my faith and in wisdom I've learned to become a bit more of a “glass half full” kind of girl.  I have learned that it was far more beneficial for my attitude (and let’s be honest, and for the happiness of those around me).  Lately though, as I've entered into my forties I've realized I've become more of a “where the heck did I leave my glass” kind of girl.  And let me tell you, it’s a shock to my once organized, in the details mind. It’s annoying and it’s hysterical. 

The blessing in it all is that through this transition I've learned that I get to choose which one it will be, fully acknowledging that some days the choice is easier than others.  Still as a result I've found it to be much more tolerable to be positive. So to encourage my fellow forty somethings, here's a little bit of comedic relief to offer you perhaps a new perspective of the unavoidable changes in life.

Yes, it is annoying when you get to church and realize upon crossing your legs that only one of them got shaved, or perhaps find that conditioner was still left in your hair, BUT think of all the extra time you saved that allowed you to look for your keys.

Yes, it’s annoying when you have to try on 8 pairs of pants to find one that fits BUT I am confident that all that one legged hopping around and squatting to stretch them out has to be worth at least the 600 calories worth of ice cream you will eat that night.

Yes, it’s annoying when you forget where you hid things so your children wouldn't find them BUT this way you get to celebrate Christmas year round! The kids always love a mid-summer sweater or scarf still in its bag with tags on.

Yes, it's annoying that you now can't read without glasses for farsightedness But at least you get to go into denial about that long hair you can't see in the mirror that is growing on your chin.

Yes, it’s annoying when you are scheduled for one medical test after the other BUT it is kind of fun to say words that end with “opy”…endoscopy, laparoscopy, colonoscopy.  You can almost create a fun little riddle or jingle. And, opy is easy to remember so technically you can just add it on to the end of whatever word you choose and most people will not even know the difference.

Yes it’s annoying to accept the reality of never being able to jump on a trampoline again BUT let’s be real who can really afford anymore co pays anyway?

Yes, it’s annoying to have hormonal waves of anxiety and irritability BUT…BUT…well, I've got nothing for this one let's just go with yes, it is annoying!

Yes, it’s annoying when you forget to pick up your children and they are left stranded for an extra hour, BUT it’s so beneficial for them to learn to appreciate that at least they didn't have to walk 5 miles up a hill to school every day in the snow.

Finally, yes it’s annoying to literally forget everything BUT to finally learn that life still goes on when you are not in control of everything is invaluable.

At the end of the day dear friends, despite the similarity between turning 40 and running into a brick wall, life will always be what you make it. So I say, laugh till you pee, strut the extra 10lbs of belly fat, let go of all that you forget and enjoy what you do remember,  rock the one shaved leg, and appreciate the excitement in finding all the random things you've misplaced throughout the year (well except the milk in the cupboard, that’s never good).  Enjoy the ride friends, enjoy the ride! 40 is beautiful!!!