Your Forties Are to Pay For The Drinks

“Enjoy yourself. That's what your 20s are for. Your 30s are to learn the lessons. Your 40s are to pay for the drinks.” – Carrie Bradshaw

Lord knows, I’ve never been so ready for a drink. As I look to close out the first quarter of my 12-month countdown to the big FOUR-OH, I’m tending to reflect more and more. My intentions are always that of self-encouragement: “Look at what I’ve been able to do. Look at what all I’ve been able to overcome!” But lately it’s been more of.. “How much more and when do I get a break?” Staring down the barrel of forty, wondering when the trigger is pulled will it be to my benefit or detriment? Is this what’s called The Mid-Life Crisis? No thank you. Let's stop. Right now. Apply the brake. Get off this trip, because that's exactly what I've been doing: TRIPPIN'. Life is a gift and I WILL enjoy it.

My Body Is A Temple

I had a difficult pregnancy and was not able to keep up my regular fitness routine. Post-pardum I haven’t had the energy. Although I’ve managed to lose all but 6 lbs, my abs tell a different story. So I remind myself that those abs housed and supported a beautiful little boy for 38 weeks. A little boy that brings joy to my heart every time I think about him. A little boy that smiles at me every day when I pick him up after work. (He also smiles whenever I ask him did he just poop. What’s up with boys??)

My arms have always been my crowning glory. Although there is currently no “gun show” on display, they are able to lift and carry my son. They are able to hug the people I love. They are able to high-five someone for encouragement and support. My legs are still able to transport me from place to place. My feet allow me to display an absolutely amazing sneaker collection. My mouth can provide words of information, instruction, amusement, compassion, sympathy, adoration, and the list goes on. My smile can be shared with any and everyone. My heart is the perfect beat to a tight verse. For this, I am grateful.

My Mind Is The Key That Sets Me Free

Although I think of myself as an introvert, give me about 10-15 minutes and it’ll be worth the wait. I am smart as a whip. I’m witty and love to laugh. In fact, I often find myself laughing before I can even finish my own sentence. I’m thoughtful. I’m purposeful. I’m a good listener. I still proudly have the imagination of a child. If my brain can think it, then let it be if for nothing more than my own enjoyment. For someone who grew up constantly paranoid of the judgement of others, it’s nice to finally enjoy myself. I love my personality. If I couldn’t be me, I would be my best friend.

So I will exercise my mind as well. I will set my thoughts on that of kindness and prosperity. I will focus on selflessness and self-improvement. I will attract what I set my mind on. The universe will obey. I will see my son grow and thrive. I will see my marriage continue to strengthen. I will be available and capable to help those who come to me for assistance. I will be drawn to those who can assist me. I am everything I was designed to be and I will draw this into my consciousness. For this, I am grateful.

It Is Well My Soul

Each night, I get still and quiet. The activities of the day and the worries of tomorrow always try and creep their way in. I push them out. I can’t change the past. Worrying about the future does no good. I am present. I have purpose. My story is written. I will enjoy it. I lay in gratitude of grace. It is done and it is well with my soul.

Ever been to a run-down Mom & Pop restaurant, only to have the best meal of your life? Well I just realized that about myself. No matter how I view my present state, the best part is still there and I’ll never lose that recipe. I’ll still look to improve, but…. On my own time. At my own pace. In whatever way I see fit. No deadlines. Just apply as needed. Maybe I’ll get back to working out 5 days a week… maybe I won’t. Sometimes I’ll eat healthy, sometimes I won’t. Some days this will be easy, but I’m sure there will be times that I veer to the left and need to re-center. I will re-center as many times as I need until it becomes a reflex.

The trifecta: Mind, Body and Soul. For this, I am grateful. Here’s to forty.

Cheers. Drinks are on me.