05/28/2026
āHow do you feel about turning 40?ā
Thatās the question Iāve been hearing the most over the past few months.
Honestly? Aging is a privilege. Age and time bring experience, knowledge, appreciation, patience, and a much deeper understanding of what actually matters in life. Think of how many never made it to 40, and that perspective changes you in a quiet but permanent way.
What I do fear about aging isnāt the number itself. Itās time and health and how the two can start working against each other. Because without your health, you lose the ability to fully enjoy the privilege of getting older. That part keeps things real. So drink your tea, exercise, and take your vitaminsš
Life hasnāt been easy, and it definitely didnāt turn out like elementary-school-me predicted. If you had asked me at 10 where Iād be at 40, I wouldāve confidently told you Iād be a zoologist, Harvard graduate, living in Alaska, kayaking with whales surrounded by mountains. Andā¦ well, thatās not exactly how it went. Iām doing far better than I could have been, though, and Iām genuinely grateful for the life Iāve built.
Thereās still so much I want to do. I still want that antique booth someday. Seriously, if you ever want to see me fully in my element, just let me decorate a booth with antiques,and Iām like a kid in a candy store. And if I had completely listened to what everyone said I should be doing, Iād probably own a food truck by now š
Thankfully, turning 40 doesnāt mean the story is over. Thereās still time.
Life is uncertain and unpredictable. You donāt know whatās coming next week, tomorrow, or even in the next hour. So live it. Appreciate being here. Appreciate the people around you. Over the past years, thereās been so much negativity, division, fear, and noise trying to take up space in peopleās lives. Remember, we only get one life. Donāt waste it carrying anger for the world all the time. Find the good
Slow down. Laugh more. Listen more. Take the trip. Plant the garden. Eat the good food. Swim in the ocean. Hike the trails. Love your people well. Drink your coffee while itās hot. Watch the sunset. Brake for the free pile antiques. Dance in the kitchen. Make the memoriesāļø
