40 is the age of “How in the world did I get here?! Is this all that I’ve done with my life?”. The age of midlife crisis. The time to find a mate who is considerably younger than you, purchase a rad sports car, and drop every responsibility that currently burdens you to run off in search of the fountain of youth… (So cliche!, so stereotypical, so 1980’s).

I really didn’t think about being 40 until I got into my mid to late 30’s. Now, at 39 and 3 quarters, 40 is staring me in the face and rocking my world a little (ok, more than a little). I’ve started to notice some things about myself that many in their 40’s and beyond have complained about for years. Yes, there are pains in parts of my body that I didn’t fully acknowledge before. Gray hair has made itself quite comfortable on my head and other places. The memories aren’t coming as quickly as they used to. I am quite content to stay home rather than attend a fabulous function. Forget nightlife outside of the house!

I’m still fighting the system though. I have yet to settle down to sleep by 8 or 9pm (though I have realized that I really need to). I have yet to consistently eat in the most healthy way or exercise as regularly as I should (though I have realized that I really need to). I really need to get it together.

Who wants to enter their 40’s and not be ready (and not at least have some semblance of being on the right track)?! I don’t.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a strong believer in the old adage “age ain’t nothin’ but a number” and that one “you’re only as old as you feel”. I also have great faith in the Bible’s promise that in the future this age thing will be a mere formality (that is not a direct quote by the way). Meanwhile though, I am facing the fact that some changes are necessary and I have to take care. I am facing middle age and I do want to show that I appreciate and value the life and body that I have been given.

Time to get it together.

No, it is not my intention to drop everything at this moment and go on an existential journey in search of the truth (I’ve found that already). It is my intention to apply the truths that I have learned more fully, fighting my imperfect tendency to just not want to do what I need to do (admit it, you struggle with it too). You know what I mean… All that stuff that you should be doing (that I should be doing) that you (I) keep putting off (yes, I am admitting my issues with procrastination… don’t judge). It’s just time to take a stand.

In a few months I will be 40, staring the next part of my life squarely in the face. I refuse to cower in a corner (though I may drop a tear in remembrance of the 30’s and the 20’s). I will be ready to become what I know I can be in so many ways. I’m not waiting for the number to change though.

Stay tuned and step up with me if you dare…