Turning 40 - It’s All About the Journey

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Are You Turning 40 and Looking for a Profound Life Change?

Have a great day!

Today I turned 40. Although I have dreaded the day’s arrival for over a month now it wasn’t as bad as I expected. I had a much more difficult time turning 30 when I look back on it. During the past 40 years I have had two wonderful children, aquired amazing friends, a loving partner, and the opportunity to receive a facinating education. It was curious for me that the first thing I thought of this morning was my 1st husband who drowned when he was 31 and will not see our daughter graduate this June. Interesting… the things you think about on your birthday.

I was actually looking forward to this day for only one reason. I had been told by several individuals that I would learn the meaning of life when I was 40 and not before. Last night about 10:55pm I turned to my partner (over 40) and exclaimed in frustration “Look it’s an hour and five minutes before midnight and the closest I have come to guessing about the meaning of life is that everyone should take more naps and get more sleep because sleep is great if you can get it.” He said “wrong” and then he fessed that the meaning is that at 40 you learn that it’s important to roll with the punches and not let the little things upset us so much.

I considered this “meaning” all day on my 40th and by this evening I had learned something else. For my partner it’s “we need to roll with the punches” but the meaning of life is different for me and likely for every individual. I realize I should be very grateful I have lived to 40 because I have had so many remarkable and memorable experiences, acquired lots of wonderful friendships, lost/gained love and had the opportunity to be born in such a beautiful province/country. In the end I just feel really lucky to have more time to do it all some more.

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