By Karen A. Chase

Author of Bonjour 40: A Paris travel log

(40 years. 40 days. 40 seconds)

Why is it that turning 40 is supposed to be a bad thing? I know a lot of women curl up in the fetal position over it, but for me, it was a chance to do something I’d always longed to do. Live in Paris. For a month. I’ve made choices throughout my life that made this moment possible, but what made it feasible was simply that I planned to do it. When I turned 39, I said I’d go to Paris for my fortieth, and so I spent the year preparing to accomplish just that.

I took French lessons, and studied French DVDs. I found an apartment, put together a budget, and saved for it. Every time I thought about buying a blouse, or a new pair of shoes, I thought, “that’s a day in Paris.” Or, “Why would I buy American shoes when I’m going to Paris.” When tax time rolled around I said no to investing in my IRA (Because the market stinks anyway), and invested in my L-I-F-E instead.

Cry? Moan? Whine? About turning 40? Why on earth would I do that? The other option to smile, embrace it and take a trip of a lifetime is so much more rewarding. The side benefit has been it’s helped launch a career I’ve wanted for a long time. To write. My blog, photos and trip turned into a full-fledged book. Goodbye 39. Bonjour 40! Now, I can’t wait until 50 comes along!