It’s Just a Number…Right?
I embraced yet another Valentine Birthday with every once of my being…sort of! I will admit right now that I have revised this post since it was originally written three years ago…okay 4. I’m laughing as I do. Don’t ask!  😉
The Big 40-ish…again. “lier” blurts my inner voice!
I have never lied about my age…I’m starting now, don’t judge. Funny with age you don’t feel the need to justify your decisions. I mean really, it is just a number so lets leave it at that! (giggle)
I am not defined by my age so the number doesn’t bother me. “Then why not say it out-loud?” questions my deep inner voice. “Get lost, I have my reasons!” I snap back. I didn’t think it would come to this and I am aware of the slippery slope I cautiously approach. I will delete deny any comments if you feel the need to mention any numbers above lets say 42. (think of it as a birthday present to me) Just give me this one! I’ll come around soon I promise!
I like to reflect on my Birthday just as I do each New Year’s Day. I look back and see if the seeds I planted the year before have grown and I decide what I want to plant for the coming year. Milestone Birthdays (not that this is one *cough*) allow us to reflect and follow that reflection to where we are now. It doesn’t get much better than now!
I remember feeling different when my odometer rolled over from the last time I turned 40-ish. “Phft” adds my inner voice! The next day it seemed especially easy to say the word no. Along with the word no came no need to explain why. I felt relaxed with just being around me. I didn’t need outside stimulus to engage me. The voices in my head were engaging enough! “Stop talking! I’m trying to write!!!!”Â
When I turned 40-ish last time, I finally allowed myself to be comfortable in my own sensual glowing skin, more so than in my 20’s or 30’s! I am confident enough to drop my dress in a busy intersection at noon in the winter (bad lighting) if need be…you know for charity or something like that. (I haven’t…so far!) I did however wear a moustache for the day for Movember) I know, not quite the same but a step in the liberating direction!
‘This age’ for me is about being comfortable in mind and spirit, I think I have the body loving attitude down to a fine art. I have decided to keep a little more to myself. I mean that in a positive way, I am not being cynical. Okay, I am trying! I am,  like you, a work in progress! Keep in mind I am an Aquarian…well see if I can last a week! I will set more goals that will take discipline and courage to achieve. I want to stretch the boundaries of my mind that will allow me to reach higher than I thought was possible in my younger years. Funny thing about aging, we become less fearful and more willing to take chances, especially with our hearts! Life is short, and then you die! Lets face it, risk can be exciting! To quote my friend Ryan “What could go wrong?” Live in the moment with no regret.
I have experienced many-many glorious years and look forward to many-many more! I have had a very blessed life so far filled with unforgettable memories of family and friends that will last my lifetime. I continue to learn more about who I am and what I am capable of through life experience. Some good, some not so good, I choose to focus on the good. I have come to the realization that I am a very resilient woman if nothing else! I have grown so much over the years and even in times that my heart aches I have finally mastered the ability to keep thinking positive thoughts in times that don’t feel very positive.
I feel a sense of calm wash over me as I age and it just feels gooooood! I know who I am and I am not afraid to express it to those who are standing close to me, or far away for that matter. I have become not only comfortable in my own skin but comfortable with who I am intellectually. What I want and don’t want seems so much clearer than ever before.
I have learned to have complete acceptance in my life. I walk the walk not just talk the talk. I welcome you into my life unconditionally for how ever long you choose to stay, a day a week a year or hours for that matter, it’s really up to you. I can only be who I am, true to myself, if you fit great, if not it was nice crossing paths and I wish you love on your journey. I have learned to surrender to this. All I ask is that you be as kind to my spirit as I will be to yours! Life is meant to be shared, lived, experienced and lessons are learned along the way.
I still look through my rose coloured glasses from the clouds but I enjoy that view and won’t give that up at any age. I am a dreamer, a romantic and will be until the day I leave this world.
Here’s to aging gracefully!
 (((((((smile)))))))
Tracy Westerholm
"Exploring the never-ending desires that fuel all life, while finding lyrical beauty in everyday happenings."
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7 Comments
Bonnie Johnson
You did it!! Way to go!
As much as I loved reading your inner dialogue arguing with yourself – very funny!- I was ecstatic by your last line!
So proud of you as always. Now can you help to calm my fears about aging? Feeling a little skeeered…
xoxo
Tracy Westerholm
Nothing to be skeeered about Bon! We will do it together, as always and it will be FABULOUS! Ya, I can’t lie..no point really! xoxoxo
Jane
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.lol Rose color glasses love mine and will continue to wear them. I like the view they give me.
When I turned forty I started to fib about my age and now it just doesn’t seem important anymore.Especially when someone asks how old are my kids. Thank me for keeping you both younger.
Age as you say is just a number, but I remember you telling me to fight it every inch of the way.I think when you are happy in yourself it shows all over the body.You look great!
I am thinking the next year will be a good one for you as you have planted so many seeds for you’re garden to flourish. xo
Bonnie Johnson
Here’s to all those seeds! 🙂
Tracy Westerholm
That’s where I got the Rose coloured glasses from! lol Love you Mom! xoxo
Lawrence
Age IS just a number indeed. I am a few days away from ((((((40))))) and I don’t think I have ever been as happy or confident in who I am. I am welcoming in my 40’s in a similar fashion as my 30’s, single and recently starting over after a long relationship, except now I have two beautiful children and they both keep me young and make me feel old trying to keep up with them. 🙂
Continue to surround yourself with those that ‘make you feel so young. Make you feel as spring has sprung.” ~ wise old Blue-eyed man.
Happy birthday again.
Tracy Westerholm
Thanks Lawrence! It’s good to be alive, healthy and happy! The sun is shining in my world and always will! I love my life…thanks for being such a special part of it! xo