A few weeks ago my loved ones wished me a happy 39th birthday. My sister and her family gave me a beautiful evening of fun. Every time I saw these flowers I was reminded of the way it felt 10 years ago. It was all rather surreal, considering in my head I still feel like I’m 30. Or maybe even 20. Where did all that time go? So many people have told me that time flies and yeah, I felt like it was cliche, but it’s so very true. That time just whisked right by. Although 40 years old isn’t the ancient age that I once considered it to be, I never thought it would actually be here looming over me. You know when you’re 12 and you think you’ll never be able to drive? Or when you’re 18 and think you’ll never be 21? That’s kind of how 40 felt to me. Until now, that is.
Where I thought I’d be at age 39 is kind of a nebulous idea. The picture was fuzzy for a while, then came into focus, and changed again depending on my life stage at the time. After graduating from college and getting married at age 23, I felt fulfilled. We bought a house and got 2 cats. It seemed like my stars were all shining upon me. Little did I know how much happiness was in store! When I was 29, my first child was born. Over the past decade, my life has changed so much. I’ve been blessed with two beautiful children that make me smile each and every day. Some of my friends have floated in and out of my life. We always pick right back up where we left off. My job is so rewarding; I’m blessed to work with some of the best children in the world. Did I expect to make it to 17 years of teaching 6th grade? Not really, but here it is! I had hoped to be debt free by age 39, with all my student loans paid off, but we’re slowly chipping away at it. There has been much progress made over the past few months and we’re determined to keep at it. I wasn’t counting on having health problems at this age so I’m taking steps to do what I can to ward off the threats my body makes against itself.
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about the future. These days 40 doesn’t seem very old!
What do you see for yourself in the future?
You’ve met some goals, changed some goals, and are still working toward some. That’s what life is. We have a plan, but God has a plan, too. He knows the path we will take, and it doesn’t normally go along with ours. I’m glad you are optimistic. I don’t think any age ever feels like you are that “old” “young”….The important thing is to be who you are.
Love the pretty red polka dot theme above!
You are just a baby! I’m turning 49 yo in August – hee-hee! Time really does fly faster as you get older. Enjoy 39 yo and hold onto it. At age 40 is when I started to notice aging of my body. Looking down at my hands or arms, I feel as if somebody hijacked my old body. lol
Yep, that is exactly where I am now. Feeling the age!
I’d like to think that I’ll be working from home, with my children happy and healthy and trying hard to be their best.
Well, I am now 52. Some days I feel like I’m 60 and some days I feel like I’m 25! I am now a grandmother and I see myself spending more and more time with the ones I love!
Happy Birthday!! Time really does fly as we get older!
Great post, Happy Birthday!! I’d like to see myself healthier for sure, but when I look back I can’t help but think that I had many chances.
Happy Birthday, 39 isn’t old at all!
I’m definitely not where I though I would be, but for my future I’m thinking positive and hoping that my husband will be allowed to come into the US and given a visa so that we can be together.
You are still very young, just had a birthday yesterday, trust me, you’re young! I tend not to put a lot into thinking where I’ll be in the future, always have been like this. I keep going with the flow, trying to do my best. 🙂
I think very few of us are exactly where we thought we’d be by a certain age. I think thats ok.
Does make you think about your future I remember graduating from high school and getting mhy first job $269.00 a month and I thought I was rich of course that was in the 60″ now I am in the late 60’s retired and finding out that living off social security is almost a lean, I always thought I would retire and take trips and vacations and the like, and now my trip is to the grocery store..weekly, seriously plan ahead and love life.
I hope to be closer to Jesus in the future! Great post.
You’ve got your life together at 39, good for you. It is funny in that I can remember when I was in kindergarten, I looked at the 2nd grade desks and couldn’t fathom being big enough to sit there! How times does fly! don’t know anyone who doesn’t stop and think when they get to their 40th (or almost) birthday.
I am 39 and holding…and holding…and holding…
What is really unfortunate is the essence – or soul – of a person stays at about age 25 but the physical body keeps aging and aging, and aging.
I thought by my age I would have many noble goals accomplished but it is not working out as planned….Not even close~
I find that each time I reach a milestone (although I’m a little behind you), I’m not where I expected to be, but God had put me where I needed to be (even if it wasn’t where I wanted to be).
Yes, I think very few people are exactly where they thought they would be when looking forward. It’s still worth planning though, I guess you just have to be flexible enough to not go crazy when you end up somewhere other then where you planned.
One thing I learned in my early 20’s was we can plan life, but it won’t follow out plan. I’m not where I thought I would be either. Some days I wish I was in a different place in life, but I wouldn’t want to change anything that has already happened. I’ve found contentment with my life and learning to enjoy the journey.