Forever Young

 
Today’s the day. Happy Birthday to me! I guess I’m officially a grown-up. Pssht. Hardly.

It seems people in my life are more fascinated by the fact that I’m turning 40 than I am. It’s interesting really. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve already heard “Ooh, the big 4-0!” It makes me giggle.

Being the youngest of seven children, I can understand my siblings’ elation since I can no longer taunt them about being in my 30s. But it sure has been fun. And whether they like it or not, I’ll always be younger than them. 😛

I say why let a number dictate your life? Here’s some of my approaches to staying young at heart :

• Spend time with people younger than you. While I have friends who are 5, 10, and 15 years older than me, I also have close friends who are 5, 10, and 15 (ok, 18) years younger than me. Not to mention all my very cool nieces and nephews who keep me hip. Holla to the kiddos!

• Listen to some of today’s music. Even if what’s on the Top 40 station may not be your cup of tea, I believe every generation has some shining stars. It might just take some digging. I love getting song suggestions from my friends and family in their late teens and twenties. It’s a quick way to get connected to their world.

• Step into your Stretch Zone. I blogged back near the turn of the new year that I intended on stepping out of my comfort zone as much as possible in 2011. So far I’ve tried snowboarding, went ice skating on Boston’s Frog Pond, joined a softball league and a dodgeball league, with more on the horizon (whitewater rafting, surfing, and even cheesecake. Yes, I’ve never tried cheesecake, and it’s a stretch zone item for me because of texture issues. Don’t ask). When I’m in the stretch zone, although a bit nervous, I feel alive, invincible, and, yup, young.

• Always make time for play. Turn off the TV, stop all your running around, and have some fun! We’ll frequently have friends over for game nights, where we munch, laugh, play board games, sing karaoke, and bust a move with Just Dance. Life’s responsibilities can easily pull us away from childlike play. Don’t be ashamed to break out the coloring book and crayons to help you get back in touch with that kid in you. Below is a picture of me at 5 years old that I always keep handy to remind myself to honor her need for play. Pretty cute, eh?

I often joke and say, in my mind, I’ll always be 25. And there’s part of me that really likes that idea — the permission to still be silly and curious and wide-eyed. But I would never give up the growth, wisdom, challenges, gifts, and struggles that the additional 15 years have given me.

So yeah, 40? Bring it.