Why Wrinkles Are Awesome and Other Perks of Adulthood

home insemination Kit

Let’s be real. Adults remember their first taste of freedom, the excitement of a first kiss, the thrill of driving, and the joy of hanging out with friends. However, they often overlook the fact that being a teenager is like a sundae topped with hormones, uncertainty, and the cherry of bad skin. So let me be clear: Your teenage years are definitely not the best years of your life.

This year, I’ll hit the big 4-5. How did I arrive at this milestone so quickly? I recall my dad’s 40th birthday bash, complete with a hilarious singing telegram that had him laughing all night, and a cheeky cake my mom ordered. Now, my dad is turning 72, and it all feels like a wrinkle in time, much like a quote from Madeleine L’Engle.

Speaking of wrinkles, I’ve got a few. There’s no denying the laugh lines around my eyes; they’re well-deserved reminders of a life fully lived. Sure, I could consider Botox or fillers, and honestly, that doesn’t seem as terrifying as it used to. But now that I’m in midlife, I’m learning to embrace my face and body just as they are—no returns, no exchanges.

This phase of life brings a clarity I never had before. Instead of dwelling on regrets, I can view my past as a series of lessons learned. Sure, the journey wasn’t always smooth—like battling an eating disorder in my 20s or navigating a challenging relationship in my early 30s. But now, my 40s represent the culmination of experiences; I finally understand what I truly want.

Here’s a glimpse of what my 20s looked like:

• I have no clue what I want to be when I grow up.
• I’m definitely not an adult yet.
• My body feels like the enemy, and all I see are flaws.
• Love conquers all, or so I thought.
• College graduation hit me with the realization: I have to support myself now.

And then there were my 30s:

• Love doesn’t conquer all.
• Divorce can really knock you down and make you question everything.
• Starting over feels terrifying.
• My body and mind have reached a shaky truce.
• Am I still not grown-up yet?

If my 20s and 30s were like sea grass swaying in the wind, my 40s feel like a sturdy flagpole firmly planted in the sand. I took the advice of a wise friend and figured out what I want from a partner before diving into marriage a second time. I’ve faced tough times that have only made me stronger, and now, I’m a mother.

I think I’m finally getting the hang of adulthood.

I view my body as a vessel of strength and beauty. My arms are for hugging, not critiquing my triceps. My legs are for walking and running, not for fretting over thigh size. My torso cradled my growing baby, and I was surgically opened to bring my son into the world, who, by the way, is the light of my life.

At 44, I don’t feel threatened by other women. I’ve realized that when I uplift others, I’m also lifting myself. Sure, I might feel a twinge of envy when I see someone else’s figure, but I’m not about to make excuses for not looking like a fitness model. I’ve accepted that I enjoy ice cream, and I’m okay with a little extra roundness in exchange for that joy. Understanding my body is much easier now.

And you know what else is great about being in your 40s? The confidence that comes with knowing what I want in life. I’ve learned what I deserve, and the bumps along the way only serve to propel me forward. Another perk of this age is knowing my career path. I took a leap of faith, transitioning from a full-time job to a part-time freelance gig, and I’m thrilled to see my network flourish.

Sure, there are plenty of things to worry about if you let them. But aging into your 40s shouldn’t be one of them. Forty is just… forty. It doesn’t need to be anything else; it’s simply the perfect midpoint of your existence. So let loose and roll with it!

For those interested in more insights, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.com. If you’re looking for more information about fertility, Make a Mom has you covered. And don’t miss out on the week-by-week guide from March of Dimes for pregnancy and home insemination resources.

Summary

Aging brings wisdom, confidence, and acceptance that youth often lack. As we navigate through our 40s, we can embrace our bodies, learn from our past, and feel empowered to pursue our dreams. This stage of life is not just about facing challenges but also celebrating the journey that has shaped us.