40 +

I am starting to savor being over 40. Especially since I work with a majority of very young girls. Damn it, I feel wise. I listen to young one #1 cry over some boyfriend who is mistreating her, and I continue to listen another 5 months later, same guy, same story. The whole time thanking God it's not me. I watch the commercials on late night television for anti-aging products and just don't get it. Why spend money to defeat the inevitable. I loved every wrinkle and smile line in my late husband's face. Drooping skin and all. He, loved mine. I don't want to be married to Smilin' Bob. I am thankful that my breasts don't point directly to China. There is some perk left. This country is so age obsessed. What is the point? As in everything there is a beginning, middle and finally an end. Why do we refuse to accept what nature has given us? The only personal vanity I concede is I do die my hair, and that is because I have 8 grey hairs, 4 on each side that are very wiry, so I do die them. That is my one vanity. I see women with ridiculously Botoxed lips, breasts that don't naturally bounce. Maybe if I was incredibly rich I would have a different outlook, but I doubt it. I don't like being under a doctors care, and all that surgery etc looks rather painful. Why can't we, especially women, rejoice in who we are, rather than what we look like. Sure, I like to get dressed up sometimes, throw on the war paint and go out. At the end of the day, you shall see me playing with my dog, in cut off shorts and a tank top and a pony tail, watering my flowers. That is me. Also, the older you get, the more set in your ways you become. I doubt I could change the inner me for anyone. The inner self develops at a very young age and basic traits stay with us for the rest of our lives. I just wish I could shake some of the Housewives of Atlanta, New Jersey and Orange County, (you know those shows)and let them know that sometimes they look more beautiful when they aren't trying. The wisdom that comes with age is worth more than any lip injection or breast implant. Yes, appearance does matter in the job market. It should be your resume that speaks, not your puffy lips or silicone breasts. I like the comfort that comes with being 42. I no longer care what the Jone's think. I never did, but now I really don't. I care what my reflection in the mirror tells me about how I am doing, personally and spiritually. I no longer waste my preaching and lectures on these young ones. It is wasted breath. I listen. That is it. I like my age. My main concern seems to be taking my vitamins and walking and staying somewhat healthy. When I lay my head down on my pillow at night, after moving my 85lb dog over, I feel content and blessed for every experience, good and bad, that has shaped and molded me into the person I am today. Plus, I think I would look silly with inflated lips, and what the hell would that accomplish? Relish and rejoice in who you are all you over 40 folks, men and women. We have made it half-way through a very hard journey. That is the real accomplishment to me. Be well, get your colons checked and eat properly. Never lose your sensibilities and keep you minds active at all times. Here is a toast to another 40+.