This past Sunday I turned 41.
Everyone makes such a big deal about 40 that when it comes and goes you have to wonder what the big deal was all about.
4o was no big deal for me.
I didn’t feel like I was supposed to reach certain mile stones by then, make a list etc.
40 was good.
41 I realized I was on my way to 50.
50
What?
A few months ago I noticed some grey hairs.
I get facials once a month and my 20 something gal thinks my skin is great, “for being 40”.
Thanks.
Everything is starting to dry up.
My hair.
My skin.
I have to listen to the TV louder than my husband because I have a little hearing loss in my left ear.
Are you flippin’ kidding me??
Skin spots are alive and well on my face.
I notice how much I talk about the foods I stay away from because I get stomach aches etc.
What the flippity flop??!!
I am one breath away from talking about the weather and my cat.
I see photos of my friends from high school and college and I think they are starting to look older.
Then I realize that they must think the same thing of me.
Do you mean I am not the 26 year old I feel like in my heart and head?
Don’t even answer that.
I see ladies all of the time with weird looking faces, large lips and obvious work done.
I don’t care what others do but I don’t want to look like that.
I want to grow older gracefully.
I know that I have choices each day about how I care for myself and I want to make sure I am making good ones.
I love seeing an older woman that still takes care of herself.
Guess what…she has wrinkles, sun spots and grey hair.
I guess I will wear mine long and wavy.
So wrinkles and grey hair…I am along for the ride.
This body of mine….I promise to do right by you.
Thank you for carrying my babies, holding onto the ones I love, carrying me up mountains (physically and emotionally) and allowing me to create.
50, I am not ready for you quite yet but it will be OK when we meet.
{Yes, all of the photos have nothing to do with this post but I just love ranunculus}
Sigh….I hate getting older:( No more babies:( The only thing that makes me ok is that everyone else is getting older with us.
I will just start hanging out with people way older than me and then I will look really young:-)
Haha..I loved 40 s it was an empowering time…I felt okay with my life and things seemed to be in order..I think I had a confidence I hadn’t seen in myself before..I am now 62..and okay with my life.The Lord has been good to me and my family..I too chose to go naturally..seven kids one husband…I earned the wrinkles and the gray hair..and the other day my granddaughter said..nana how did you get so old! So it goes…your a blessing
I love getting older (the wisdom part:-).
For me it is the loss of clear vision and having to wear glasses. I can handle the wrinkles and I don’t mind them so much until I see myself in a picture. The grey hair, honestly doesn’t upset me too much either. The weight gain, no matter how much I exercise and eat well, that bothers me. But honestly, I still feel like I’m 25, at least in my mind! Sometimes I see myself in a picture or passing a mirror and I gasp a bit and think, where has the time gone? But for all I’ve learned in my 46 years, I wouldn’t change a single minute of it…Growing old is a gift.
xo
Jamie
I have worn glasses since 5th grade so I don’t remember anything different. It is a gift though. I think so many things are clear that weren’t when I was younger.
Growing old is a gift so many are denied….I’m 60 & lost my beloved identical twin at 57….I can’t believe I will never have her to help me with this transition. She would laugh & tell me I had more grey hair than her. She still had beautify flawless skin & true, hardly any grey hair. .. ?
I am so sorry about your sister. I can’t image how life feels without her.
What a great post!
I love the way you think!
You are beautiful!
From a fellow 41 yr old. 😉
Good idea Jeanne!! lol.
Thank you!
I believed the 26 (for a moment) Jeanne – you look so young and vibrant to me! I found the forties to be wonderful and liberating – I didn’t worry about a lot of things I had in my younger days. And, wow, look at the insight that comes with every year and every experience we have. I am now 60 and you do tend to be surprised at the way time has just zipped by, but there are wonderful things at every age. Your mind stays pretty young – it’s the body that betrays you and slows you down…so you find new things to do – there is so much out there to choose from. I feel like if I continue to learn, create, imagine, and enjoy all the miracles around me, I will never grow truly “old”, just closer, more wise, and more ready for the next stage in the Heaven’s above.
You may be my favorite person in the world if you thought I might be 26:-)
love those ranunculus, too. maybe because it’s rare to see, but sometimes when i see an older woman with solid white and/or silver hair i swoon a litte and i have to tell them i love their hair. “growing old gracefully” sounds lovely.
…and it’s truly lovely to see.
Love you!
You know, I’m guilty of looking at other people and thinking, “Wow. They look older. What happened?”
Ya, I know they are totally thinking the same thing about me, but like you said, I still feel 26 inside. This week, my husband took a picture of me and I realized that my chin and neck is sagging. For real! When in the world did that happen? I don’t want to get a face lift and look stretched, but I don’t want my cheeks to drag on the ground either. You know?
Oh, well. Like you said, let’s grow old with some grace and take care of ourselves the best we can.
~FringeGirl
So glad I am not the only person to look at others and think they look older and then realize they must think the same of me:-)
I am 41 as well. All I can say is every year I grow more comfortable in my skin and definitely feel wiser and ready for “more” – i think the 40s are awesome (and i got my first grey hairs which I am not allowed to complain about since my sister started getting grey hairs by the time she was 20 lol!)
I agree about growing more comfortable with myself the older I get.
Jeanne you are so pretty and pretty never fades away!!! Look I’m almost 53 and work at Forever 21! HA!!!!! I’ll always be young at heart and cover my grey hair!!! I just became a grandma and it’s such a wonderful thing!!! So don’t worry about your 50’s!!!!!! But I sure would love to know of a great moisturizer…..my wrinkles are coming……it’s so dang dry here in Colorado!!!!!!
I so love everything about this post!!! You look awesome, girlie!!!
Thanks. You do too:-)
Jeanne, I am heading towards a birthday soon and I will be a young 56! LOL
Truly, I don’t mind being the age I am. I find that it gives me great freedom to be exactly who I am without worrying about what other people think. It took me a very long time to come to this place. If I could have one thing back from my younger self though, it would definitely be feet that didn’t hurt so I could wear high heels again!!! Other than that, I’m ok!
I used to be able to wear high heels all day. Now a few hours:-)
You always make me smile:-)
I am good like that:–)
40 is nothing. Neither is 50. And, I felt the same way at 60. But, 61 – that was hard. I am 64 and proud of it. I teach middle school (for 30 more days) and my students say that I don’t look 64. I tell them that this is what 64 looks like. My mother looked her age, but then she didn’t wear jeans and Converse. And, she didn’t coach volleyball at 64, or ride her bicycle to the nursery to fill her bicycle basket with flowers or walk on the beach every morning before work.
Enjoy life every day!
I wonder what kind of post I will write at 80:-) Good for you that you do so many awesome, active things. That is what will keep us all young.
You are so very beautiful. I hope… hope! that I age as beautifully as you do – you still look 26. I’m 38… not far behind you 🙂 Hugs and hugs!
You are so pretty too!
What was that very old hair color ad? You’re not getting older, you’re getting better! Well at 58, I think about how we are never quite accepting of where we are at life and I’m finally realizing what a shame that is! It’s NEVER going to be better than it is right this minute. Assuming that we have our health, etc. I wish I could stop the clock and stay at this moment. Life is good. I do wish for g-kids when the time is right and to be nearer to my kids. Let’s all focus on the what we have and not the what we used to be. Comparisons are no fun and never productive.
Happy birthday and continued blessings!,
Barbara
Absolutely Barbara!!!
I agree!
Egad…forty is so YOUNG!!! And you aren’t going to realize it until you are in your 50’s and 60’s. Promise. The old adage about staying out of the sun (so you won’t have leathery skin!)….is true. The same goes for staying away from smoking and drinking. But 41? Oh. My. So young.
What is wrong with sun, cigs and liquor? 🙂
I love my 40’s!!! Not a day has passed when I thought if only I was 20something again.
That girl was way to scared to live the life i live now. She was too afraid to dream that big either.
I started life completely over at 44. Packed up my life and moved to Europe. I feel like I’ve lived more life in the last 3 yrs than I had in the last 30!
Today I see my hairdresse, we will begin the transition of growing my hair out to my natural color….gray. I’m 75% and tired of covering it up. I no longer feel authentic covering it up. Another act of bravery in my book. 🙂
I love that you moved to Europe!!!!
Fab fab fabulous post J!
I’m 43 & am embracing that…and life…and feeling happy
about where it’s all at….
Loved reading this- random flowers and all!
Melissa 🙂
It really is about embracing life isn’t it?
I feel your pain! I’m 44 and have hated every minute of my 40’s. I hate the wrinkles and “old lady” skin I see on myself. I have to turn up the TV too – my kids tease me all the time. I know I need reading glasses but I don’t want to get them. Don’t even get me started on the gray hair and dry skin. It’s so depressing to think about how I don’t have the energy like I did in my 20’s. Getting old has not been fun for me at all. I know things would seem better if I changed my attitude but it’s not easy. I think you look great! Thanks for writing about this. : )
Lori
Attitude has everything to do about it!
I had to laugh because I’m 48, yes 48! 47 was the gotcha year for me… it was when I noticed the sunspots which my own mom so graciously pointed out to me! ha ha! Yes, I do color my hair… its something I never did when I was younger and its been fun trying different shades. 🙂 My first born leaves for the Army is 3 1/2 weeks (we found out yesterday) and my “baby” starts high school in August… how did that happen?! But you know life has been good and the Lord has blessed me (even during the rough times.) So go forth and enjoy this time in your life! (and yes i find myself using the term “honey” more now… when did that happen? oh yeah when i was 14… my mom said i was an “old” soul as a teenager, ha ha!) I hope you had a truly wonderful birthday because you know what? You are a dear special lady and are a such a blessing to me whether you realize it or not!
I love that your mom pointed your sun spots out:-)
Don’t tell anyone, but 50 it THE BEST!! Its the time a woman is at her most beautiful- so sure of herself and so sexy!! I love being this age because I am so much wiser and confident.
But I admit to a little botox not and then……
Can’t wait to see you on Saturday….and Sunday cuz I’ll be ready to “pop some tags”…..
Can’t wait to see you! No one would know you get botox. You look amazing too.
Jeanne, I will turn 50 in June. I’ve given it a lot of thought…I’m not sure I want to be 50 because I still feel 20 something. My philosophy is that I will fight off the aging process in a natural way and with lots of smiles. The lines on my face will be from smiling no matter what comes my way. Now my hair…that’s another story. No gray hair for me. Better life through hair color. 🙂
I love that everyone FEELS so much younger than they are. That is what matters.
Jeanne~
I am going to be 52 this year and have to say that this sentiment that you shared about your body says it all!
“Thank you for carrying my babies, holding onto the ones I love, carrying me up mountains (physically and emotionally) and allowing me to create”.
It is hard to watch your body change when you still feel like you should look in the mirror and see that 20 something you used to be looking back at you. However, our bodies are constantly changing from birth to old age and we have to embrace our spirit for it is who we really are.
Happy birthday to you and thanks for all the creative inspiration you share with all of us at any age…
and like the youth of today say…YOLO enjoy it!!!
Thank you so much.
Wow… I needed this. I’ll be turning 40 this summer and I’ve noticed that father time has paid me a visit as well. Grey hair has arrived and so have a few wrinkles, but I’m with you…I’m staying away from Botox and fillers(for now). This body of mine’s been good to me…I loved this post. Thanks.
Megan
Happy 40th!!!
Great post. Spoke to my heart. I’m 45 with a 5 year old! 🙂 I color my hair and moisturize my face and my husband loves me no matter what, so I’m good — not thrilled — but good with the inevitability of aging. I also started wearing glasses for the first time ever this past year, LOL.
Isn’t is awesome when you have a husband that loves you so well. Very sweet.
take it from someone who had open heart bypass surgery right before their 50th birthday, I promised myself that I wouldn’t complain about birthdays. It’s been hard sticking to that promise at times. no matter what our age we always think of ourselves as older. I didn’t even know who I was until my 40’s! I was busy with kids, a business, and a husband. Now i’ve hit another decade milestone, but I’m grateful for each day that God has so graciously allowed me to have; wrinkles, gray hair (which is colored)…whatever. I’ve been able to see my girls grow up to be strong women, who are my best friends. We can be creative, happy, and productive no matter what season of life we are in. Savor each moment, but look forward to the future no matter what the calendar might say. and anyhoo, cats and the weather are both topics most people can identify with. great post, Jeanne!
You can be my weather and cat talking friend:-) Thanks for all of your great advice.
Oh Honey, I turn 65 in August. How I got to this age is beyond me but what I’ve found is that every single decade I enter is better than the previous ones. It’s liberating to get to my age. I don’t care about things anymore. I don’t care if I wear bigger earrings than my friends think I should. I don’t care if I speak up more for myself, or someone else who needs a voice. I don’t care if I wear something that someone else doesn’t like. I am at an age when I’m working to make myself happy. If others have a problem with that, it’s their problem. I don’t care. It’s very liberating to grow older. Enjoy every minute and give thanks.
I have heard this from many ladies I know that are your age. Nice to know it just keeps getting better.
An A+++++ blog post!!! I just turned 60 and have finally just embraced EXACTLY who I am…in every way.
That is a really beautiful place to be!
Here’s the bad news…you are actually in the prime of your life! Serious! For me, 50 was the year of OMG!–look how fast the time went the last 20 years from 40 on! In 20 I’ll be (gah!) 70! My life could be over! But when I settled down, I just started living smarter. And when I finally decide to go gray, it’ll be a Toni Morrison situation that is easy to care for. Oh, and I already got my nose pierced. For my 62nd. Take it easy, you’re still verrrry young! And pretty funny, too!
Prime:-) I better go out and do something awesome today. Thank you for your sweet words.
Dude. I have wrinkles and grey hairs poking out PLUS some sun spots and I’m 30. Can I swear in your comments??? Better not. Ok. Well, I did to myself. I should jump on the facials too just to know I’m doing something nice for myself…thanks for the tip 😉 You’re inspiring me not to be nervous about growing older. Thanks, Ms. J.
Swear away:-) Don’t be nervous and add those facials because they are heaven!!!
I’m with you! I am 47, and I am sweating thinking about 50! Like you said, 40 was easy.
I am blessed with my mom’s hair, and only have a gray hair, maybe two….yes, the smile lines are showing….and some age spots…but I feel young!
It is funny how weird 50 sounds when you are 40 and probably 60 at 50:-)
Welcome to my life!
hahahaha
Jeanne I think it is just awesome how you take the time and care to respond to each comment left for you! You are the real deal and that is what makes you so special. Your words, just as much as the art you teach us is very inspiring. You are truly a blessing!!
You are so kind. Thank you.
Lol I just turned 68 and still think (feel) much younger. While my body makes me aware everyday that age has it’s price, the journey is priceless, as they say. Taking care of yourself and loving yourself no matter what is the key. And definitely loving God, family and giving back. That said, I am lucky enough to have white curly (very) hair that is still dark on the ends and get very amused at how often I get asked how I get my hair to look like it does (and they mean that as a compliment). The hard one for me is when I get called “maam” . I always chuckle to myself about that.
Jeannie you are so talented and beautiful, I know you will age with grace, vim and vigor. And hopefully slide into heaven all used up!
Susan
PS I really enjoy your interviews.
Happy birthday Jeanne! You know, 41 is a l-o-n-g way from 50! LOL! I’ll be turning 60 later this year (yikes!) and I want to tell you that I still feel like a 26 year old in my heart and mind. It’s strange how that works but I’m sure glad it is that way. It really is like that old Frank Sinatra song, “Young at Heart.” Hope you have a wonderful year!
Happy Birthday! I turn 50 this year and wasn’t looking forward to it but I am now. I still feel like I’m 25 and feel great. Have a great year.
Just remember, it’s not the years in a life, but the life in the years that matters. Seems to me you’ve packed yours full. Just enjoy every day the good Lord gives you and continue to live life to the fullest. I turned 63 this year and honestly feel like I’m still in my thirties. Life is good.
I couldn’t agree more with your statement, “growing old gracefully”. I love it when I read something and it validates my feelings. The flowers are beautiful…and Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Birthday! I loved your post. Sounds like me with the hearing loss (right ear for me) – oh and I have ringing 🙂 About a month ago I stopped eating the 7 top allergy foods – stomach finally feeling better – now I’m going to get food tested. I really don’t feel the number, people thankfully don’t think I look the number, and I don’t think I act the number – and that is all good. I’m a little bit older than you. I think you seem to have a youthful calm spirit as well – and that helps.
I’m 54 and certainly don’t know how I got to this age! I don’t feel it and and don’t think I look it….I can tell I’ve changed over the years…alot calmer, much better listener – maybe that just means I’ve learned a few things. Enjoy your 40’s but your 50’s are enjoyable as well!
Love, love, love this post. Happy Birthday month… I like to stretch the celebration joy! I have been reminding my daughters that its….. Mother’s Day Week. I am a few years ahead of you and finding bliss my 40s. I have read a lot of non-fiction since turning 40 (The Gifts of Imperfection by
Brené Brown; The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo, Life is a Verb by Patti Digh are three favorites chock full of soulful goodness). I believe you will find lots of big joy on this 40-something journey. I keep saying to my friends… who knew, at this age, we could find so much laughter and fun? As a long time reader here it appears as though you are living your life as the work of art that it is. Birthday blessings!
Jeane you are just gorgeous! Heart and attitude alone will see you through to a fantastic old age. Let alone how beautiful you will be. Age will sit well on your shoulders. And don’t start thinking about 50 until you turn 45 at least!! Rx