The following was used in a newsletter by my good friend, Russell Chapa, for his band (CHAPA) in honor of Burning Man. I'm grateful for his title suggestion, as well as his consistent support!
Turning 40 truly is a milestone, whether I want to admit it or not. But I think I'm embracing that milestone. I've never been afraid of "getting old" and I usually keep a positive attitude about things that are inevitable... things like change, the passing of years and aging.
I could tell you some of the more obvious negative effects I am experiencing with this coming of age: less clear vision when reading, feeling just a little more tired a little more often, a little aching in my joints that comes outta nowhere!
But I think I'll share the bragging rights I've acquired over these 39+ years; the things I find I am more than happy and willing to own about my impending 40th anniversary as a human being:
"I know more than you know." Ask my kids, I use this argument in various ways all the time as I proudly say, "I'm almost 40 years old... I know all about driving/laundry/politics/astrophysics/etc."
"I am a grown-ass woman! I'm almost 40 years old!" Of course, this kind of obvious mockery of authority whispers at immaturity, but the truth is, no one younger than you is going to question this argument. NO ONE!
"Everything old is new again." I've convinced myself that I'm cool (not old) when some kid tells me about some novel thing he's into and I'm like, "Oh yea, we used to do that." The whole been there/done that thing is a little over used, but it's still effective, especially when it's true.
"When I was a kid..." Everything was better quality, cheaper prices, safer and more genuine. Of course this isn't always true, but it's fun to look back and know that you witnessed music, movies and books that were AT LEAST as cool as the stuff today.
"Eh, I'm old." As a final straw, this bit of earned clout is the default of all defaults. Let's say you're really tired, for no particular reason, and people want to give you a hard time about it... just tell them you're old! What about you're ever decreasing interest in things like roller coasters, late night buffets, hangovers and traffic? Just tell 'em old people "like me" don't have time for this crap! It might sound like an excuse but, damn it, we've earned this excuse!
In all honesty, I feel pretty great. And not "considering I'm almost 40;" I just feel good about life. I know that my parents are aging, my children are growing up, the cost of living is rising and my metabolism will continue to slow no matter what. But there is something to be said for the fact that I've made it this far in one piece, relatively speaking. Even the pieces that I lost and found along the way have made me who I am today. I can either accept and love life as is or be miserable wishing for what was or fearing what might be. Hell, I'm a grown-ass woman, and I'm just getting started!
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