March 4, 2011

Happy Birthday To Me!

Today is my birthday. I am 41 years old.

I remember my 21st birthday, which was 20 years ago today. Twenty years. Two decades! That milestone seemed so far ahead of me when I was a teenager, but now twenty years have passed since I became "legal". I remember having a party (my mom and sisters sent me a stripper!) and chipping a tooth on a beer bottle while drunk that night. Today, at age 41, that tooth is still chipped. I remember a few days later going out to a bar for happy hour and ordering my first legitimate drink. I ordered a Midori Collins, and felt so grown up.

41 is not a big milestone; last year was a lot of hoopla for me. Yet being well entrenched now in my 40s is certainly reason to celebrate!

I used to be scared of getting older. I couldn't imagine being over 30! I was fearful of the aging process: wrinkles, sagging skin, losing the appearance of youth. Now, at age 41, I have yet to get my first wrinkle. I am often told that I look like I'm in my early 30s....and I certainly feel that way. In fact, with all of my exercise that I have been doing, I have never looked better---even when I was 21!

A few weeks ago, Oprah had several ex-supermodels on her show. One was Paulina Porizkova, and she said something that really hit me hard:

"Aging is a privilege, not a birthright. "

Wow.

I know so many people who didn't get to age. So many people who died when they were in their 50s; in their teens; in their infancies. It is not assumed that any of us will get old. So I am incredibly grateful that I am 41....and when I get those wrinkles, I hope to embrace them.

This past year has been incredible for me. In the last year, since I turned 40, I have completed 3 half marathons, 2 triathlons, and re-committed (for life, this time) to a lifetime of fitness. I helped to launch an educational foundation at my son's school, an endeavor that has been very time-consuming but well worth the effort. I have become even more comfortable in my own skin, and not only know who I am, but am learning how not to sweat the small stuff.

I am incredibly blessed; a very, very very lucky girl. I have a husband who loves me deeply; a son who delights me daily; a daughter who makes me so proud with all that she's overcome. I have a very supportive family, and feel the love of my mom, dad, step-mother, sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews across the states. I have a wide network of friends, including some friends who I am extremely close to and I know I can depend on, including my very, very best friend. I have a nice house, live in beautiful San Diego, and really want for nothing.

I am excited to see what my 40s bring. I am ready!

11 comments:

  1. Hey, we share birthdays! Happy birthday to you!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Get out! Today is your birthday too?!?! Happy Birthday! Yay!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would never have guessed you were in your forties. Happy Birthday! And I will stay here with you in the forties for six more months.

    ReplyDelete
  4. :) I HEART YOU!! :) Happy Birthday! You have the best attitude IN THE WORLD!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a wonderful post SM! Happy Birthday to you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You have so much to celebrate!!!
    Happy Birthday to you!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congrats on the vegetarian milestone, too, SM!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Loved. Every. Word.

    Hope you had a good birthday friend.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely post my friend! I must say I'm jealous of the no wrinkles! I have that typical frowny face wrinkle between my eyes, too many years spent scowling I suppose.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I just found your blog from Erica Sara. Happy Birthday! You truly seem like an amazing woman!

    ReplyDelete

I love to read your comments!