Why I Really Was Truly Excited to Turn 40

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I have a new favorite “F” word… it’s 40. Fierce, feisty, fabulous 40. I enjoyed this milestone in mid-air en route to Sydney, Australia with my family late last year, and since then I’ve been dedicated to having my best year yet. Okay, so I’m a late-bloomer coming into my own, but I encourage all moms, women, and girls NOT to wait until 40 like I did to seize this feeling. Before I made this conscious decision, I heard from many of my 40-something friends that they loved this decade! It turns out that with age really does come wisdom, and here is some of mine. 

I Speak My Mind — You guys, this is a big one for a lot of women and especially people pleasers like me. I’ve always confused being laid back and being amenable to other people’s needs before considering my own. I’m a go-with-the-flow gal. Now instead of simply going with the flow, I think about what I actually want first. If I have something to get off my chest, I simply say it (nicely). And guess what? It’s totally not a big deal. What was I so afraid of?

I Make Time for Me —Whether I get up before the family, stay up after everyone else goes to bed or just do my own thing while the kids are doing their homework, every day I take time just for me. Sometimes I exercise, bake, read a good book, or just zone out on Instagram. Regardless of what it is, I put myself on my “priority list” — along with my loved ones.

I Seize the Moment — I’m using the fine China that’s been sitting pretty in a cabinet for 14 years. I’m focused and present when I’m with my kids (my hubs, my family). I’m putting myself out there in ways both personally and professionally that I never have before. Spoiler: It feels so good!

I Accept Myself — I used to be my own worst critic and put a whole heck of a lot of pressure on myself (okay, I am still working on that last one). My mental self-talk was pretty ugly, so I switched it. I started forgiving myself for my mistakes, giving myself the same love and attention that I bestow upon my family, and focusing on my positive assets versus my “negative” ones. I’ve stopped trying to attain perfection and decided that I am enough —just exactly as I am right now. When negative thoughts creep back in, and they do, I shut them down immediately

I am Grateful — This life I’ve been given, and that I’ve made, is a truly amazing one. I have my health, family, friends, and so many wonderful gifts. I take time to acknowledge, and give thanks for, all that I have been graced with instead of thinking about what I don’t have or what I haven’t accomplished… yet. That gratitude fills me with joy.

So, let me be the one to tell you, there’s no need to fear 40! With this milestone birthday comes some very freeing things. Another new “F” word I love? Finally. Finally, I feel good in my own skin, and, more importantly, in my own mind. And that, my friends, is truly fabulous — at any age. 

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Molly
Molly, a professional writer and editor with 20 years of experience, has been obsessed with the written word since she learned to hold a pen. From interviewing longtime U.S. Senator John McCain to eating lavish eight-course meals in the name of research, she covers topics across the board and tackles each one with passion and enthusiasm (especially the food-related ones!)  Molly and her husband of 15 years have two children, Jimmy and Saylor. Together they cook, eat, travel, play and try to make the most of every single day. While teetering between being relentlessly exhausted and tirelessly energetic, Molly's life motto is "lead with love." Follow her on Instagram (@azgypsymama) for food and travel pics, plus random quotes that range from inspirational to the occasional whiskey-fueled enlightenment.

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