8 Reasons to Celebrate Turning 38

It’s that time of year again—my birthday! Every year, it comes around, whether I’m ready or not. This time, I hit 38, officially stepping into my late 30s rather than just hanging out in my mid-30s. It’s a noticeable change, even if it doesn’t really hold any deep meaning. It does, however, mean that I’m only two years away from the big 4-0! When my dad turned 40, my mom threw him an “Over the Hill” party with signs proclaiming he was “Older than Dirt.” When I reach that milestone, my youngest will still be in preschool!

But before I let myself wallow in thoughts about aging, I remind myself that growing older comes with a ton of perks. I’ve enjoyed my wild 20s and muddled through the chaos of raising young kids in my 30s. Now that I’m in my late 30s? There’s so much to look forward to! Here are eight wonderful reasons to embrace being 38:

Fashion Comes Full Circle: I get a good laugh watching high school girls try to replicate my ’90s style. Oh, the chokers, Doc Martens, and floral dresses! It’s amusing to see them attempt grunge looks with plaid shirts tied around their waists. Clearly, we didn’t look ridiculous enough for them to steer clear of those fashion faux pas.
No More Babies: My kids are still quite young (5 and 2), but I’m officially done with pregnancy. Hooray! No more doctor visits, food restrictions, or the discomfort of feeling like my body is not my own. Sure, I still have diapers to tackle, but that phase is coming to a close soon. As my little one grows and drops his nap, we can dive into new family adventures.
Style Savvy: After six years of pregnancy and various body changes, I now know what works for me. I embrace my assets with supportive bras and fitted tops that highlight my waist. I’ve discovered colors like blue and green that complement my hair. And guess what? I finally know which shade of red hair dye looks natural enough to fool people!
Fashion Know-How: On the flip side, I also know what doesn’t suit me. Those trendy cigarette pants and T-straps? Not for me, no matter my size. I no longer feel the need to try on every cute item in the store. Those looks are meant for someone else, not me.
Weight Woes Be Gone: My weight has fluctuated over the years, and you know what? That’s perfectly fine. In my younger days, a mere three pounds would send me into a tailspin. Now, if I want to shed a few pounds, I just exercise more and skip the nightly ice cream. I’ve realized that no one else notices those minor fluctuations.
Social Media Perspective: Facebook can be ridiculous, but I love it nonetheless. I don’t take it to heart if a friend doesn’t comment on my posts. Most of my content revolves around my kids and parenting, so it’s understandable if non-parents lose interest. I’ve also stopped feeling jealous of others’ posts because I know they’re often a polished version of a chaotic reality.
Living for Myself: I no longer feel the need to impress anyone. If I choose to lose weight, it’s for my own well-being, not for approval. I wear what I love and parent in the way that feels right for me. Compliments are nice, but I’m not here to seek validation from others. I’m just being me!
No Fame, No Problem: I once dreamed of being famous, thinking my humor and wit deserved the spotlight. I imagined writing bestsellers or starring in a reality show about my adventures in New York. Thankfully, that didn’t pan out! Most of my youthful blunders and embarrassing moments are just memories, not fodder for the public eye. With age comes perspective, allowing me to reconcile who I was with who I am today.

Ultimately, embracing 38 means I can look forward to the future with gratitude and excitement as I approach 40.

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