I celebrated a birthday recently.

I originally wrote this blog post a few years ago, when I entered the 40s. Over the hill, as they used to say. Now I hear "40 is the new 30?" I'm going with that one...

For months I had been reflecting on this new decade of life. Maybe you're there (or approaching it, or far ahead of me). Then I remembered this image I saw years ago; it means more now.

                                                           (Image from Twitter, @PovilasKorop)

I have found the 40s to be a sweet spot in each of these areas. 

That's why my little family and I decided to take my #1 bucket list trip to Greece when I turned 40 - we happened to have the time, money, and energy to make it happen. And it was so worth it!!!! Who knows if we will still have these three things at 50.

I know life has seasons, there are ups and downs in every season, and not everyone's life fits this sweet spot at 40 or ever. I am humbled and thankful. Gosh, in a few months from now my own life might be more rocky than where I am today - an optimistic, life-taught but still naive, 40-something-year-old. But...

Here are some things I'm thankful for:

Time. In our 40s, we have more time (ideally). We're not pulling all-nighters studying for exams or feeding newborns. We have learned to set boundaries, earned a good number of vacation days, and/or started a business and have the flexibility that comes with it. This means we have TIME for hobbies like gardening, crafts, or attending baseball games - whatever it is for you. We also have more time to show up for family, friends, and our community.

Money. In our 40s we're not still eating off the dollar menu (again, ideally). We've learned how the world works, and how money works. We've figured out ourselves, the value we can offer the world, and where/how to get paid for it. This means we have more financial space to dream - both personally and in our work. We are dealing with bigger budgets, and we can apply those budgets in ways that make a difference and bring life to ourselves and our communities.

Energy/Health. Ok so we're probably not in peak health in our 40s. We are figuring out our bodies all over again, speaking words like metabolism and cholesterol and hormones (which used to be words my parents spoke, but not me!). We have a few aches and pains, but nothing that yoga can't fix (again, ideally). We can still mostly pursue hobbies and be with the people we love. I don't take this for granted. It makes me want to say yes to every trip!!

So what do you do with your time, money, and energy? If you're in your 40s like me, be encouraged! You're not over the hill. You're in the sweet spot.

This post is adapted from the CGS blog vault. Original post was made on 3/22/23.