Hey…younger mamas…got a sec?

I’ve been reading and hearing some angst about a birthday that seems to be LOOMING for some of you and I wanted to speak a little truth for your ears. I’m talking about the big quadra-decade marker…40.

Now, I’m a little bit on the other side of it, but I remember facing it down pretty vividly (because my memory is still intact. Mostly. For the things that I care about, anyway. 😉 ) and I wanted to share what I’ve learned so far. What to expect and why it’s going to be amazing. Mostly.

Learn to Love the Number 11.

You might as well, because it’s right about now that it shows up on your face right smack-dab between your eyebrows…and it appears that it’s here to stay. That might not sound like great news, BUT, according to the super-scientific web search I just did, the number eleven represents characteristics of intuition, patience, honesty, sensitivity and spirituality. JUST LIKE YOU! BAM!! Also, say you (like me) used to have a dimple. Right about now, it will have deepened into a SMILE GROOVE. That’s what we’re going to call it. Because ‘wrinkle’ kind of sucks…but ‘smile groove’?? Smile grooves tell a story of a life that’s been lived well. And we’re only getting started…

The Claw Marks will Fade

If you have recently had a baby (within the last 5 years) and are not genetically gifted with exactly the right amount of collagen in your skin, it may appear that your belly (and adjacent areas) have been clawed by an angry tiger. THAT’S OK. Know why it’s ok, mamas? Because those tiger claw  marks will fade.  Either that or your eyesight fades. But one of those 2 things DEFINITELY fades and the result is that your stomach will stop looking like it’s narrowly escaped a zoo-inspired tragedy.

You Will Have None Left to Give

Oh no…I’m not talking about love or time…I mean the other. I don’t know if you’ve seen that t-shirt, but I have. It states – boldly and proudly – “40 Years Old with Zero F***s Left To Give”. Ummm…yes. Snarky salesclerk? Don’t care. Toxic ‘frenemy’? Ain’t nobody got time for THAT. Forty seems to be the time when lots of us re-assess. It’s a reminder that life is short and beautiful and good. And there is no time to be bogged down with those little annoyances that used to leave you stewing.

Not Even At the Beach…

Do you remember the late teens/ early 20’s at the beach or pool? For some of us, it was a little uncomfortable. I was at the beach last week, people watching. Know what I saw? I saw beautiful, lovely young women who were very obviously uncomfortable in their own skin. Their shoulders were down and they were constantly shifting, adjusting their suits, covering up. They were beautiful and strong and lovely…and they had no idea. I wanted to hug them and tell them how amazing they are (and also that the guy they were all enamored with was very clearly an ass), but there’s really not much creepier than a stranger in a bathing suit giving you a hug…so I settled for a smile.

BUT…you know what else I saw? Ladies in their 40’s and beyond OWNING IT. Having fun at the beach…playing and walking and running and wearing whatever the hell they felt like wearing. From bikinis to wetsuits, they wore it all well and they looked amazing. Not because they were candidates for the next sports illustrated swimsuit edition…but because they were happy and loving life and OOZING a level of confidence that comes from knowing yourself.

So…beautiful younger mamas with the big 4-0 looming…don’t worry. It’s going to be ok. I’m sitting on the other side now and I am surrounded by women who are filled with confidence, grace and love. It’s nice over here. And you can wear whatever you want. 😉