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45 is the New 46: Embracing Age with a Smile by Laura Jenkins
As I hurriedly exit the classroom, I silently pray, “Please don’t let anyone ask my age.” All the parents in my daughter’s class seem to be younger than me, and while I’ve never been one to lie about my age, I’d rather not bring it up. But then my daughter announces, “Mommy just turned 45 today!” I feel a gasp escape my lips, realizing it came from me. The polite parents around me seem taken aback, and honestly, I’m surprised too. Forty-five feels like a milestone—certainly not middle-aged, but rather a vibrant stage in life. I still feel like I’m just beginning.
Growing up as the youngest in my family, I’ve always been surrounded by older siblings. I had my first child at 37 and found myself in the company of friends who were older, allowing me to maintain the “baby” status even as I approached middle age. Living in Los Angeles, where many women seem to stop aging at 29, I embraced my growing wisdom and proudly shared my age. Responses were usually uplifting: “You’re a baby!” or “You look so young!”
But now, the reactions to my age have shifted. “Wow, you look fantastic for 45,” they say, while subtly scanning for signs of aging. At this age, everything is measured against time. I feel like I’ve unwittingly entered a competition against the clock, and suddenly, my worth seems tied to how I compare to others.
It’s also common for younger folks to tell me that “45 is the new 30.” Trust me, 45 doesn’t feel like 30—especially considering 30 wasn’t my best year. I don’t know why anyone would want to relive that decade.
The reality of growing older is that while I feel more knowledgeable, I also have a 4-year-old who needs me fully present. I’ve never cared much about the appearance of aging; my concern lies in the desire to savor every moment with my child.
So, the next time a fresh-faced mom tells me to celebrate my age because 45 is the new 30, I’ll respond, “Actually, 45 is the new 46.” Then, I might ask her about her favorite spinning or hot yoga classes—fully aware that I probably won’t attend any. The best part of aging is being comfortable in your own skin. If only I had realized that when I was in my 30s, which I hear is the new 29.
For more insights on motherhood and parenting, check out this piece on home insemination. And if you’re curious about at-home insemination kits, Make A Mom has some great resources! For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, IVF Babble offers an excellent array of information.
In summary, turning 45 can feel daunting, but it’s also a time of newfound confidence and appreciation for life’s moments. Age is just a number, and what truly matters is how we embrace it.