Almost 40 Doesn’t Mean Almost Done

home insemination Kit

Hey there! So, I just hit 38, and from the outside, it looks like I’ve got everything figured out. I graduated from college, married an amazing guy, and I’m the proud mom of four wonderful kids. I’ve got a cozy home, a fulfilling job, a circle of great friends, and overall, I’m in good health. But honestly, some days I feel like I’m falling short—here’s why.

This morning at the gym, I met a young, fit woman who was probably in her early 20s. Our trainer introduced her and casually mentioned, “Tell [your name here] about how you met that celebrity.” She launched into a story, but all I could think was, “What have I done with my life?”

Flashback to my 20s: I was living in Los Angeles, pursuing a theater degree while juggling acting gigs and waitressing. I even bumped into Jim Carrey at a coffee shop on the Paramount lot. We had a nice chat, but I didn’t snap a selfie to prove it—just a cool anecdote. Now here I was, trying to impress a young woman half my age, and it felt pretty embarrassing.

I knew the question was coming: “Do you still act?” My rehearsed response came out: I moved back to the Midwest to save money after meeting my husband, had a baby, and now I have a job at a university—one that doesn’t even use my theater degree but helps pay for my kids’ education. So, no, I don’t act anymore. Unless you count local commercials, which I know don’t really count.

She smiled and quietly drifted away, probably not wanting to linger on my perceived failures.

As I worked out, I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me—like I was letting my younger self down. Back then, I set goals, and while I didn’t win an Oscar, I did achieve many of my dreams, including marrying a loving partner and having a family. I never specified where I wanted to be, but most importantly, I wanted to be happy.

We all know that when you’re in college, you’re still figuring things out. I set some broad goals for myself, and I’ve ticked off most of them, even the one about meeting Oprah! The problem is that I’ve shifted my focus to my children’s goals instead of my own.

That’s where I feel like I’ve missed the mark. If I’m not setting goals for myself, I’m just going through the motions. My kids can pursue their own dreams, but as I near 40, it’s time I start chasing mine again—beginning with not comparing myself to someone who’s just starting out. I mean, that wouldn’t be fair; I could totally crush her!

Honestly, I believe there’s so much more ahead of me than I ever imagined. The ambitions I had in my 20s couldn’t have possibly predicted the incredible potential I see in women over 40 today.

If you’re pondering your own journey or looking for resources on home insemination, check out this insightful post on intracervical insemination. And for those interested in starting a family, Make a Mom offers some fantastic tools. Plus, IVF Babble is a great resource as you navigate pregnancy and home insemination!

In summary, hitting 40 doesn’t mean the end of your journey. It’s a fresh start, a chance to set new goals and embrace the possibilities ahead.