Much to my horror, I suddenly woke up in the middle of the night with the realization that in a matter of just six and a half months, my 30s will be forever gone.. Yes, I will be all of 40!
The Brian Adams songs, Purani Jeans by Ali Haider and Silk Route numbers are now considered oldies. Other than the Kardashians, and the random Big Boss contestants, I don’t recognize anyone in the tabloids. Who are these people and why are they famous? Also, when I smile coyly and talk for some extra minutes with the vegetable vendor, I don’t get extra discounts anymore. I find myself making friends with the apothecary in the neighbourhood who stocks dozens of anti-wrinkle formulae and skin hydrating lotions.
I try to join in a conversation between my 20 something nieces..And I say things like, “What’s the name of that actor, you know, he was in that thing?"
Yes, I feel that I am fast approaching 40. Last week my young neighbour casually said, "Aunty, Wow! You look great for your age".
My to-do list still has a bucket list of points to cross off. But I find my tastes getting set in stone, and that's a good thing - no more wondering if it's "cool" to like such and such movie, song , hairstyle, etc. Another thing I noticed was that my energy, contrary to the latest trend of believing forty being the new twenty, is not that of a 20 year old. Late night parties and cooking up a 5 course meal are not a thing to look forward to.
But you know what? Even when I am not up on the "cool thing," people around me seem to understand, especially the younger ones seem very sensitive towards me these days. I find myself rejoicing my non-coolness!
I have decided to celebrate the crow's feet and the laughter lines...The repertoire of movies, sports, songs and books that I can quote is pretty lengthy, which impresses my younger friends to no end. Sports,religion, terrorism, sex, racism, and anything else- any topic become vehicles for inclusion. Sometimes it’s for something, sometimes it’s against something. Also, I feel more at peace with myself; forgiving others is easier because in all likelihood I too had made the mistakes they have at this point because forgiveness is much easier when I realize we all make bad choices sometimes. And I am increasingly becoming more comfortable saying "I already said so" because I have learned my instincts are usually right..I am also okay with occasionally handing my kids the mobile phone to keep them from throwing a tantrum; I know that everything in moderation is fine. "Everything in moderation" is my motto and it's been good to me. Though sometimes mottos are meant to be broken, and I know that is okay, too.
I think I have found the right balance by being a little selfish, and by not being totally selfless by now ..The number 40, it is hopefully a little less than half my life, and the opportunity to live life more positively, and a little more passionately!
Everything said and done, I feel that I am due for a mid-life crisis!
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