MOSTLY/SOMEWHAT Forty and Fabulous


 Today is my 40th birthday. I am weird and I have been looking forward to this day for quite a while. I like decade birthdays. They are a good time to reflect on what has happened in the last 10 years and decide what you want to come next. The pandemic ruined my party plans, and the snow my smaller celebratiom plans. But it is all OKAY. 

My 39th year threw me a curve ball that shook me to my very core and threatened everything I know about how to live life. I am having to do a complete 180. Learn how to use my body correctly in order to be functional. Yall, this has been HARD. I know migraines- you power through. You will feel How you feel no matter what you do.  MS says “try to power through, I dare you.” I am doing good though. My stamina is improving. I can make it longer and do more than I could 3 months ago. Doing dishes is still one of the most painful tasks I have. Dishes. Something I have to do every single day. So strange. The stress and decreased activity has lead to 40 pounds of weight gain for my 40th birthday. And the meds have taken about half my hair already. Positives- there was plenty of cushion for my slippery snow falls yesterday and it only takes like 3 minutes to blow dry my hair now. So that is cool. I have also learned there is NOTHING I cannot overcome. I have learned who loves me most. And who could let me go. Those things matter. Those things give your strength. 39 was HARD. But it was 2020, so I was not alone. 

My 30’s brought some of the MOST AMAZINg parts of my life  as well. They started on a high with motherhood. I have 2 wonderful kids who make life better than I ever thought it could be. Even if they think I am almost 100. They make me laugh every day. They make me feel love that I never imagined. They are so special! 

Terry and I were able to sell our first home and buy a new one that is more than we ever thought we would have. I still look around and think, “is this really my life?” I won the husband jackpot. He has been my rock, my caregiver, my support, my laughter, and my very best friend. He works hard to make all of my dreams a reality. He is not perfect. He is cranky. I am cranky and imperfect. But together we work and no one could love me better!

I have a job that is fulfilling. I make a difference in the lives of the patients I serve. I have built so many relationships and bonds working in healthcare the last 20 years. I have wisdom that can only come with age. I have friends that you can only appreciate the true value of with age. I have friends who help me laugh through the hard parts. Life ALWAYS has hard parts and laughter is my medicine of choice! 

So, here is to my 40th year. Where I will strive to find “me” again. Where I hope to lose the 40# and find the other half of my hair! My 40’s will have many ups and downs like every other decade, and I am buckling up for the ride! Thank you to all of my friends and family who make it worth it! 

I am fabulous! And so are YOU! 

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