On Being Forty-ish :: Dreaming New Dreams

Sunday, May 17, 2015


So something happened when I turned forty.
And just for the record, it still sounds weird when I say out loud that I am forty(forty-one now).
Really? That really happened last year?
And I don't just mean the stuff that starts happening to your body, either.
{Because you do know that happens, right? And that it really kinda sucks, too.}.
You're in luck though, because that's not what I am talking about today.

I am talking about the realizations you come to about life and time and what you want to
 DO with your life and not do-and I'm not going to lie, the freak-outs about how fast time is going and the wondering of just how much of it you have left.... All that wonderfully heavy kind of stuff.
And let me say here that I think it's normal, totally and completely normal, for us
to have these feelings. And it may not happen to you when you hit forty,
it could be before or after- obviously you can have these feelings and thoughts and realizations
 at any time in your life. That being said, I do think there is some significance in turning forty and
being that age and feeling like you are right in the middle of your life and that either kind of
kick-starts it all or just makes you think of it a little bit more.
  Maybe not- but that is definitely how it has been for me.

So I think a lot about what I wish I was doing, what I hope to do, what I want to do
and what I absolutely do not want to spend my time doing any longer than I have to.
I guess I have not really come to a huge specific realization, it's not like I have finally figured
out that my lifelong dream is to sail around the world or anything crazy like that, thank goodness.
I know that I want more adventure, whatever that means.
More trying new things.
More challenging myself to change and grow in the areas I need to.
I have a strong desire to live somewhere else but I don't see that as a practical option right now.
I know that I do not want to just go through the motions of every day life and wake up when
 my kids are ready to move out/go to college.
I want a whole lot more of doing the things NOW that I want to do instead of waiting for
 that perfect "some day....."

Maybe I will decide I want to go back to school for graphic design or something in
the creative field, which has always been in the back of my mind.
Maybe we will move... and maybe not.
I know that I want more adventures and experiences and less THINGS.
It's not the things that fill us up or make a real difference in our lives, this I know.
Maybe I will finally get that kayak I have been wanting, even though I don'tlive in a place eveen close to ideal for kayayking and don't know anyone that would do it with me.

Have you had these thoughts and feelings, too...
Whether you are forty or nowhere near forty?
Have you figured out something you just KNOW that you really want to do,
or not do, or have started to think about doing in your life?

I'd love to hear some thoughts on this.
Tell me I am not alone!

***
This video.
This isn't something I really don't have any interest in doing myself but
 I think these people have it figured out, they are doing it.
I absolutely love watching/reading about how people are doing what they believe
 they are meant to do with their lives + following their dreams.

////////////////////////

Happy Sunday to you.










4 comments:

  1. we are 41 twins : ) and i totally get it!! i'm trying to slow down the pace of life and enjoy what is in front of me. i put my phone (and camera - gasp) away more. i'm using more kindness with others, too, just giving gifts or compliments or notes : )

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    Replies
    1. ahhh... Thank you for your comment! I know I'm not alone in thhis thinking but then sometimes it does feel as though I am , if you know what I mean. :) Oh gosh, my phone... really need to start doing that more- I know I do. I am 100% with you on really trying to amke a conscious effort to enjoy what is in front of me, too- thanks for that, I love the way you put that!

      Have a great week!

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  2. I know exactly where you are coming from, I am experiencing the same things. Less quantity, more quality. Doing all those things I have always wanted to do, but not done yet (for lack of courage, insecurity, for others). Not caring so much about other people's judgment. Being more flexible and forgiving, yet not compromising as much, if that makes any sense. Trying to get the best out of each and every moment I have left.

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  3. I'm currently catching up on everyone's bvlogs (AGAIN!!!, I keep falling behind) I am so pleased that I've taken the time to catch up though, I would have missed this otherwise and this is just what I needed to read right now, because this is exactly how I am feeling.
    I'm 28 this year and I feel as though I have acheived nothing with my life. I'm just existing and I've had enough of that now, it's time to kick start the change and do something about it. I don't know what but I'm sure something will crop up. And if it is any consolation, you do not look 41, not at all, you've obviously done something right because youth is on your side thats for sure x x x x

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