As I journey through my late 30s, I’ve come to realize that the experiences and challenges I’ve faced have shaped me into a stronger person. Unlike the financial hardships or family transitions I once feared, I’ve navigated my way through significant life events, including a divorce, custody battles, anxiety, and motherhood. With two pregnancies, a miscarriage, and two drug-free births under my belt, I’ve learned the importance of resilience. After years of therapy and self-discovery, I’ve equipped myself with the tools to handle stress.
So as I approach my 38th year, I’m embracing a simple mantra: feel it, accept it, and let it go. Life will always come with its share of difficulties, and I’ve learned that acknowledging my feelings, rather than shoving them aside, is essential to my well-being. This realization has allowed me to shed many of the worries that once consumed me.
Here are five things I’m loving as I navigate my late 30s and look forward to my 40s:
-
Clarity in My Desires
I’ve developed a strong sense of what I want in life. Whether it’s my favorite style of underwear (boy shorts, size medium) or how I prefer to spend my weekends (cozying up with a good book or enjoying a movie night with my partner), I no longer feel the need to fit into someone else’s mold. I recognize my strengths and weaknesses, and I’ve learned that happiness can be as simple as indulging in some vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream. -
Confidence in My Boundaries
I also know what I don’t want, and I’m unafraid to voice those preferences. For instance, horror films are a hard pass for me, and I won’t push myself to endure one. If you want to reach out, texting or emailing works best—I’m not a fan of phone calls. And when it comes to dinner time, I value my peace; I’ll serve my kids and then relish my meal in solitude. -
Effective Coping Strategies
Recently, I’ve begun openly discussing my experiences with anxiety, and it’s been liberating. I once hoped my anxiety would disappear, but I’ve accepted it as part of who I am. I’ve cultivated numerous coping mechanisms, such as writing, which I highly recommend to anyone facing similar struggles. I even keep my therapist’s number handy and have a prescription for Xanax at the ready. -
Body Acceptance
Over the past few years, I’ve gradually come to accept my body. While I may wish for a tighter physique or to shed a few extra pounds, I know my body type is not geared toward thinness. I understand what it takes to maintain a healthy weight, and I’ve ditched the crash diets of my younger years in favor of a more balanced approach focused on health and acceptance. -
The Myth of Perfection
I once held onto a vision of how my life should look by now. While I am grateful for my wonderful husband and two healthy kids, I realize that my reality doesn’t match that idealized picture. We rent our space, can’t afford lavish vacations, and still drive the same Honda Civic we received as a wedding gift. However, I’ve learned that striving for perfection is overrated, and the true essence of life lies in appreciating what we have.
With each passing year, I find myself enjoying life more. Despite the inevitable graying hair and the onset of perimenopause, I’m excited to embrace my 40s. Aging is about resilience, letting go of what doesn’t serve me, and confidently moving forward.
For more insights on family planning and pregnancy, be sure to check out this excellent resource. If you’re interested in at-home insemination options, consider looking at Make a Mom’s artificial insemination kit for guidance. And if you want to explore more about home insemination techniques, visit Intracervical Insemination.
In summary, I’m embracing my late 30s with a sense of clarity, confidence, and acceptance. The lessons I’ve learned are guiding me toward a fulfilling future.