I Love Middle Age

[cleanaturalady]

 Who knew that I would love approaching 45 so much?  I spent so many of my early years so hyper-focused on my outer self that I never thought I would be so content not to be young and perky any more.  Well, I am decidedly not young, but I think I am still kind of perky, so I am hanging on to that for a few more years.

There really is something to be said for the contentment of middle age, or whatever moniker this age range goes by these days.  It is freeing to just be.  I no longer feel the hunger for perfection.  Let the young folks worry about that for a while.  I am past it.  I still want to take care of myself, but the focus is  much different now than it was 20 years ago.  It has become about health instead of beauty for me, which is such a breath of fresh air.  I have lines around my eyes, some gray hairs and a few more pounds than I did a decade or two ago, but I don't care.  I can honestly say I don't.  I am comfortable in my own skin.

I have also learned a great deal about myself and human nature over the years that can only be learned through life experience.  Yes, there are some young folks who are wise beyond their years, but time is the best teacher for me.  I learn by doing.  Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I have a hard time learning from someone else and their mistakes and experiences.  I have to be in the midst of it myself in order to 'get it'.  I have come to terms with the demons of my past and I understand myself so much better and accept myself wounds, foibles, struggles and all.  I have even unearth some admirable qualities that I never knew I had because I was afraid to look for fear of coming up empty.

Yes, there is a lot to be said for the complacency of the middle years.  The pain of growing up is behind and dealt with.  I feel at the top of my game right now (whatever that means).  It is a delightful place to be.  I think I will hang out here for a while before I move on to old age.  I am sure there are many more adventures to be had in that phase as well, but for now I am just going to let it be.  For once I don't feel rushed to make it to the next level or to finish the next achievement.  It is a sensational feeling.

Yep, I will just hang out.

[Platinum_Mommy]

Jul. 18, 2009 at 4:08 PM

What a wonderful comfort! Here I was thinking that life was only going to go downhill after I turn 30 (in 3 more years). Thank you for your reassurance!

[sherriet]

Jul. 18, 2009 at 4:23 PM

Thanks, Kim!  My husband was so bummed about hitting 40 last year that he started telling the kids that he's younger than me.  I hot 40 in March and see nothing but better things to come.  I know myself better than ever and know without a doubt what the important things are. 

[DestMasters]

Jul. 18, 2009 at 5:08 PM

I love this Kim. I'm so glad you posted it. I was thinking about this very thing just yesterday.  I'll be 50 next year and it seems quite surreal to say it.  I feel GOOD in all the ways that count.  It's still sort of "new" to me....to feel good about, well, just being me.

Cool isn't it?

[used2chaos]

Jul. 18, 2009 at 5:41 PM

I will also be 40 in March (let's party Sherrie!) and I can say I've been having these same feelings of contentment every now and then.  I still have little ones, so I'm a bit more rushed than I care to be, but I find that caring less what others think is delightfully freeing.  Great post, as usual!

[jdzc820]

Jul. 18, 2009 at 6:31 PM

Great post.  I have had the best time since I turned 40.  Who knew it would be so much fun?  Looking forward to what 41 brings.

[jsbenkert]

Jul. 18, 2009 at 7:05 PM

Excellent, once again, Kim! 

I've tried to tell myself that I haven't hit middle-age, yet, and since I plan to live until at least 150 years, I'm technically no where close.  But still. . . the best is yet to come, minus the anxiety, the self-absorption, the vanity. . . And you're right.  The kind of insight, acceptance (of self and others), and a generally calmer way of being is something that I could have only gained by time and experience.

You are brilliant!

[irishcoffee]

Jul. 18, 2009 at 7:41 PM

I so agree with you Kim.  I turned 40 in January, and would belatedly party with Lori & Sherrie, or rather all of us!

I am reading a fantastic book (expensive paperback but so worth it and all proceeds to breast cancer ed and advocacy)  Title KNOWING PAINS:  Women on Love, Sex and Work in their 40's.

[parrishsky]

Jul. 18, 2009 at 9:18 PM

Perfect ! I too am approaching 45 and never felt better in my skin. A few extra lbs and some gray hairs but I no longer worry about what people think about me... It didn't happen overnight but the life I've had made me appreciate what I have to offer, quirky and odd to some, yet not to others. I'm fine with that.

Thanks for reminding me that 45, or the 40's in general are a period of awakening and enlightenment !

[pnwmom]

Jul. 19, 2009 at 5:20 AM

It is like a right of passage isn't it.  When I turned 40 I started speaking my mind a lot more.  I just turned 44 and lovin every minute of it.  Thanks for reminding us the joy of our 40's and beyond. 

[MemaSu]

Jul. 19, 2009 at 12:52 PM

Life is Good- I'll be 55 this Oct. My Hisband will be 60- & yes, we are still in Middle age- we have a great sex life, we are enjoying our Grandchildren & having a ball just being ourselves.

Enjoy it all- It just gets better as you go on into the future!