Later in the year, I will be celebrating a milestone birthday. Yep, I’m turning 40! While that may seem daunting to some, I’m actually feeling better about it than when I turned 30. There’s a R&B song titled “Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number” & in my opinion that’s a good phrase to live by.
I started this summer with the intention of doing new things that I’ve never tried, sort of like a bucket list. I’ve always wanted to try paddleboarding & while we were in Hawaii last month, I finally got my chance to try stand-up paddleboarding. I loved it!
I’ve decided to embrace the fact that I am turning 40 – own it, embrace it, lean into it, love it, etc. There’s no point in mourning the fact that I am not in my 30’s anymore. I’m actually glad to get out of that decade! When I was 29 years old, I had set up so many goals & expectations of where I wanted to be when I was in my 30’s – both career & personal goals. Some were met, others were not.
Rather than setting fixed goals this time around (and then beating myself up for not meeting these said goals), I’ve decided to reframe how I look at these things. At this point, I feel better about setting intentions.
What do I mean by “intention?” An intention is to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct your energy & focus towards something or to aim. I like to think of it as a floating goal. For instance, one of my intentions is to do a 5K this year. Now if I had a fixed goal of doing a 5K, then I would say – I’m doing a 5K on July 27th & I’m going to meet or beat my run time from 2009. (Phew…) That’s exhausting just thinking & writing about it. I’m just going work on my exercise/fitness plans & if the right 5K race comes along, I’ll sign up. Easy, peasy…
What say you? How do you feel about approaching a milestone birthday? Did you set up goals for yourself, take stock in your life, etc. or did you just throw yourself a fabulous party, relax & lean into it? Share your response in the comments section below!
I love how you phrase it as “intention” instead of “goals.” Makes it sound more determined Nd attainable. Good luck training I am sure you can do it! 🙂
My next bday the “I’m not in my 20s anymore milestone” — it’ll be my 30th. I don’t know how I feel about it yet… Lemme soak in the 29th year as much as I can… Lol!
Thanks, I’ll keep you posted on which 5K race I end up doing. I’m sure I’ll blog about it! 🙂
Enjoy your 29th year!!
FYI – I just signed up for the Neverland 5K Run at Disneyland in January 2014. It’s supposed to be really fun!
Loved what you shared! A goal of mine this summer was to learn to use a sewing machine and begin making things! Then a Joann’s store opened up and they offered sewing classes for complete beginners! I think there is something about being intentional about your dreams that doors begin to open… just a wee thought… 🙂
Have fun with your sewing class! Can’t wait to see what you create. 🙂
So glad you tried paddle boarding and loved it. One of my New Years Resolutions is to try new things: this year I’m trying to cook/eat healthier. For me that means adding healthy recipes to my regular recipe rotation. You’re never too old to learn/try new things, in my opinion. 40 is the new 30.. 🙂
Thanks Toni for the exercise recommendations prior to my paddle boarding excursion! It really helped. Good luck with cooking/eating healthier! I agree, 40 is the new 30! 😉
No way are you 40. Honestly, I pegged you at about 26.
Of course, my eyesight is failing… 🙂
26 – oh you are too kind! 🙂