November 1, 2024
Middle Age is not what I expected- and I’m thrilled
I recently turned 41. Which is weird because I feel like I’m in my twenties. Until I hang out with people in their twenties, then I’m like, “Nope, I’m definitely in my 40s.”
Having experienced a full year of middle-age I’m ready to share a shocking discovery: growing old is fantastic.
Hear me out- If life were a movie, your twenties would be you stumbling around, a lot of trial and error, figuring out what in the world you should do with your life. At thirty you move into the empowering music montage. You’re taking care of yourself, hustling at work, investing in meaningful relationships, all while Taylor Swift’s Change plays in the background. And then finally, your forties are the big payoff. You’ve figured out what matters and what doesn’t, and spent your time and energy pursuing the latter.
The year I turned forty I landed my first book deal with City Owl Press. My husband moved into semi-retirement and we began traveling the world with our four kids. (Turns out they fight just as much in Florence as they do at our home. Who knew?) These are dreams we worked years to bring to life. And now we get to enjoy the fruits of our labors.
Instead of mid-life crisis, let's talk about mid-life conquering.
Between you and me I have never felt more powerful, confident and fulfilled than I do now at 41. I don’t have the flawless skin of a young Hollywood actress. I don’t have 50k followers on Instagram (Just checked- I’m at 82). But I’m comfortable in my own (non-dewy) skin. I’ve lost most of the insecurity I felt in my younger years and on most days I’m unburdened by other people’s expectations. Plus I’ve stopped wearing stilettos and my feet are so happy.
If you’re feeling stuck or lost or burnt out, trust me I’ve been there. But I didn’t stay there. And neither will you. Maybe you’re hustling, and you can’t hear the awesome montage music playing. Maybe you’re wandering and lost (it does happen, Tolkein). Wherever you’re at, I’m here to tell you, you won’t be there forever. Keep working for what you want, and it will come.
As a person who drinks chamomile tea and avoids pants with zippers, there is very little about me that is young or hip. Except for my optimism. I am as excited and hopeful as a college freshman during orientation week. I believe life is good, and I’ve seen how it keeps getting better.
Whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, forties or beyond, I wish you hope and excitement for all the good things heading your way. Trust me, they’re coming.
Keep turning pages,
Libby