The big day has passed. Yesterday I turned the big 4-0. Yep, I have entered into a new decade. And, I have to say, I was pretty spoiled. Last weekend I hung out with some fabulous friends in Mt. Tremblant, on Wednesday my incredible NYC girlfriends took me out to a wonderful dinner at TAO, on Friday Ron and I ate ourselves silly at Scalini Fedeli and yesterday I was showered with love by the girls. I am definitely feeling like a very lucky woman. But I guess it would be a little bit weird if I turned forty and didn’t take a bit of time for some reflection.
Here I am around 1, I know I was pretty darn cute 😉
The other day someone said to me “Are you okay with turning forty?”. I thought that it was a bit of an odd thing to say. Whether I am ready or not the reality is I AM turning forty and really there is nothing I can or could do about it. I could try and lie about my age but once you have kids that is definitely impossible, my girls went around telling everyone all weekend that it was their mom’s birthday and that she was turning forty… thanks kids =) And then of course there was a lot of people telling me that 40 is the new 20 and that is what really got me thinking and reflecting. Is 40 for a woman really that freaky, am I old, do I wish I was 20 again? Good questions.
A few weeks back I tried to watch the show Girls on HBO and I tried, I really tried but I just didn’t like it. I think one of the reasons I couldn’t even get through the first episode was because I just couldn’t relate to that whole crazy 20 something lifestyle anymore and I didn’t want to go back there either. The whole awkward dating, casual sex, trying to find yourself, getting your first job, trying to be independent… NO thank you. Also, I see enough of those girls on the subway, the ones that only talk in questions, you know what I am talking about -“I am going to this party this weekend?”, “there is a new store on fifth avenue?”, “Steven and Katie are fighting?”(insert annoying lilt at the end) that I really didn’t need to watch it on my tv. Don’t get me wrong there could be a bit of jealousy involved too- sleeping in on weekends, running without a sports bra, never needing a babysitter, all envious things but not nearly enough to make me want to be 20 again!
I mean there are definitely times when I am feeling the whole age thing. How many times can I possibly get a Groupon for botox, teeth whitening, magic diet pills or laser hair removal before a little bit of anxiety about the appearance doesn’t start to settle in. And of course there are subtle changes to the old bod, for those of you in my generation and beyond, you know what I am talking about, all the rest, I will spare you the details and you can keep the romance (and denial) alive for a few more years 😉 Today I had to google YOLO because I didn’t know what it meant. The irony is it means You Only Live Once.  So, yes there are somedays when getting old(er) is a bit scary. Although, c’mon twenty somethings it is our age bracket that has brought back a little bit of sexy with “50 Shades”…
On the whole, 40 you are looking pretty damn good. I am living in a city I love. I am surrounded by incredible family and friends. To me 40 brings with it confidence, compassion, acceptance, understanding, strength, lessons learned and of course a willingness to tackle new adventures even if it scares you. I have many 40+ role models to follow and I think I will be looking forward rather than back.
Thank you for all of the well wishes. Cheers to many more years of fun and adventure, S xoxo
Blowing out the candles! Here’s to many, many, many more years to come =)
It's Always An Adventure 