Posted by Dinah on January 12, 2008, at 11:34:54
In reply to Best way to deal with turning 40, posted by bluemonday1968 on January 12, 2008, at 10:37:09
Well, I always say I'm a year older than I am, so that when the actual time comes, I'll be relieved that I'm not as old as I thought. Actually I'm 47 now (no wait - 46) and I think I'll start saying I'm fifty because that half century mark is a big one and it might take me three years (no wait - four years) to get ready for it.
You know, it's really not that bad. The physical changes are a bit tough, but as for the rest of it, it's not as bad as you'd think. All my favorite movie and TV stars are getting older right along with me. So are my family and friends. It's just a number. The day you turn forty, you aren't a year older, you're a day older than you were the day before. And the next day you'll be a day more than that.
What is it you'd really like to do that you can't do at 40? If there really are things that can't be done as you get older, it might be a good idea to start working on doing them, or to grieve that you never will do them, or to replace those goals with some that aren't age dependent. You can be president now, you know. You couldn't until you were thirtyfive. But any number of things can be done at any age.
So I guess overall, I'm saying acceptance rather than denial? What is, is. Not accepting what is inevitable causes a lot of pain. What you make of what is is up to you. Maybe planning what to make of it can make it seem less threatening and even a bit exciting?
poster:Dinah
thread:805892
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20080104/msgs/805908.html