Turning 40 terrified me. Hell, I had a wobbly when I turned 39! While the popular saying goes ‘life begins at 40,’ it’s probably more accurate to say life changes at 40. Mine changed more than I could ever have imagined it would in 12 short months.
.I stopped waiting for the right time to begin living.
I bought my first home. I shelved needing a Prince Charming to rescue me and became my own hero. It’s probably the single biggest thing I’ve done that makes me feel like a legit grown up. A sanctuary just for me and I love it! It reflects who I am and I don’t need to make any excuses for my taste in weird music and eclectic art and decor. Finally a room just for my books!
I tackled a mini ‘renovation’ – that’s the technical term for the complete disaster that gutted my home. Now it looks fab and WAY better than it did before. It’s more suited to what I need and like.
I sold my first photograph. Someone out there paid money for something I made! Not a lot of money, but that’s not the point. I put my art out there and sold something. YAY!
My first book has begun; it’s coming out of my head slowly and becoming a reality, one page at a time. How long that will take remains to be seen.
Yoga. FINALLY! 20 years of having it near the top of every.single.list and it’s finally happened. It took a long time to realize that waiting until I had a better body before I could start, was both stupid and a complete waste of time. Yoga means starting where you are, now, with what you have. It’s your journey; no 2 yogis will live the same journey and waiting for life to be perfect and the time to be just right is futile. Take time to care for yourself and your body will give you what you need.
Meditation – DO IT. Seriously.
Instead of burying myself under shapeless sweaters, I’ve worn a dress almost every day since turning 40. Dresses make me happy yet I spent years wearing black pants every day. Well enough of that BS, the pants got tossed so now I couldn’t wear them even if I wanted to.
I’ve started growing my own herbs and food, along with an English ‘cottage’ garden. I’ve planted bulbs and perennials and set up feeders and a bird bath to bring birds and critters into my garden. It’s great seeing the chipmunks, birds, butterflies and one seriously chubby squirrel all parked off in my garden like they own the place. Instead of a dead overgrown mess, there’s a slice of tranquility.
I upgraded my job so now I can get the REALLY good scotch! WAHOOOOO!
I’ve rediscovered aromatherapy and restarted my crystal collection. It’s been more than a decade since I did aromatherapy so it’s starting from scratch again. The esoteric side of life was huge for me in England and it slowly disappeared. It’s coming back.
Old friends have resurfaced and it’s been SO good reconnecting with them. Just shows, the really good ones never disappear 🙂
Who knows, maybe before the sun sets on New Year’s Eve 2017, I will have finished the monster puzzle I started in January. The 18,000 piece bookshelf will be an epic statement piece for my library. Sure, I’ll be 41 but I was 40 when I tackled it so it’s going on the scorecard.
While I cannot be somewhere new on my birthday this year, I’ve got a Plan B: a ticket to somewhere new in October. 2 weeks in the middle of Nowhere, Ireland and I CANNOT WAIT! A dose of Celtic magic in the countryside; just me, my camera and hopefully a wee leprechaun to sprinkle some inspiration along the way. My London ‘husband’ will be joining me for a weekend so mayhem and laughs incoming! God, I’d best pack extra whisky… that sheep farm has no idea what’s about to hit it. Best send 2 leprechauns…
It’s time to take my wine outside to celebrate the solstice and contemplate a Midsummer’s dream for a new vintage. Cheers!
All the best for a happy new year. Courage, Sweet Pea. I have seen the progress over the past few months. So happy for you !!
Thank you crazy lady! Wouldn’t have started without your gentle proddings and it’s made a huge difference in my life. Namascray!!