In my mind, I’m still in my mid-20s. Okay, maybe 27 at the oldest. So, when I asked my teenage daughters to squish together for a quick photo, it hit me hard that they are inching closer to that youthful age, while I’m firmly on the other side of 40. Sure, they’re still young teens, but it’s a stark reminder that I’m no longer that carefree girl I used to be.
That girl didn’t drink coffee.
But this one does. Just this year, I finally surrendered to the allure of caffeine. My late nights and early mornings were starting to wear me down, making my mood a bit sharper than I preferred. While I still have my moments, the jolt from a few cups of coffee helps me channel my snarkiness with a bit more clarity.
That girl had a pristine home.
Seriously, everything was always in its place. Thankfully, motherhood helped me let go of that obsession. Now, I embrace a certain level of chaos. My home often resembles a collection of ongoing projects, featuring baskets of (mostly) folded laundry next to a towering pile of unmatched socks. Every few months, I entice my kids with promises of a binge-watching session if they help sort the socks. For a brief moment, my feet match, and it feels glorious. The rest of the time, I sport a delightful mix of colors and patterns.
That girl was a makeup artist in her own right.
With dramatic eyeliner, perfectly lined lips, and a flawless complexion, I was all about the glam. But after three kids, my hormones decided to throw a party of their own. I’ve learned to skip the eye makeup, especially with all the heart-wrenching stories on social media that threaten to ruin my mascara. Plus, without makeup, I don’t have to worry about it settling into those laugh lines—okay, fine, wrinkles. This also frees up an extra 20 minutes each morning, which I gladly use for a few more precious moments of sleep.
That girl had lots of male friends.
She loved the lack of drama that came with those friendships. But now, I’m much more excited about my book club nights with my girlfriends. There’s nothing like a little wine and heart-to-heart conversations, where we can share our stories without the fear of unintentional flirting. And if the tears start flowing? No worries—no makeup means no mess!
While my daughters are just beginning to navigate their own paths, they’ll soon learn the art of self-discovery, the importance of friend-zoning, and how to truly love themselves and others. They’ll also figure out that other women are allies, not enemies. In tough times, a good friend can be a lifeline.
So, maybe being over 40 isn’t so bad after all. I’ve got coffee (often), matching socks (sometimes), my wonderful women friends, and the occasional glass of wine. Honestly, that sounds pretty great to me.
If you’re interested in more insights on parenting and life transitions, check out our other blog posts, including this one about home insemination. And for those curious about artificial insemination options, you can visit this authority on the subject. For additional information and resources related to pregnancy, the CDC provides excellent guidance for home insemination.
Summary:
Navigating life after 40 can bring about unexpected reflections and realizations. While memories of youth may linger, embracing the changes that come with age can be liberating. From caffeine boosts to the joy of friendships, this era offers its own unique perks, making the journey worthwhile.