Dear 40,<\/p>\n
For some time now, you\u2019ve been threatening your arrival and it looks like the day is finally here.\u00a0 In recognition of the event, I\u2019ve decided that you and I should establish some ground rules, some parameters, some expectations and limitations.\u00a0 While I realize that you define my age from this point forward, I refuse to let you define who I am.<\/p>\n
First off, let me say that I am not afraid of you.\u00a0 I am not afraid of the aching body that is sure to come in the next decade, for I am aware that every ache, every pain, every ailment holds a memory or experience that I will not trade.\u00a0 Sore knees remind me that I have hiked difficult terrain, from the plains of Africa to the treacherous landscape of the human heart, and have found God\u2019s beauty displayed in more magnificence than words could express.\u00a0 Each kink in my back reminds me that I have shouldered immensely heavy loads, both physical and emotional, and come out better for it.\u00a0 Every bladder leak is a glorious reminder that I have brought breathtaking, captivating life into this world in the form of three extraordinary children.\u00a0 And deteriorating eyesight reassures me that while my outward vision is failing, my inward vision is growing sharper and clearer with every day.\u00a0 These badges of honor, as annoying and inconvenient as they may be, have been earned and I will display them with humility and gratitude.<\/p>\n
Let me also tell you what you can expect from me for the next 10 years.\u00a0 You can expect change.\u00a0 I have no intention of staying the same.\u00a0 At every turn, I will strive to grow and stretch.\u00a0 I will become stronger, wiser and smarter with every day and every experience.\u00a0 But let me warn you that during this endeavor you will see me in pain.\u00a0 You will see me driven to tears.\u00a0 You will see me resist the transitions.\u00a0 You will see me fight and fail.\u00a0 Because even though you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks, the learning often comes with great work and difficulty.\u00a0 Don\u2019t get me wrong, however.\u00a0 I will learn the tricks and perform them with unequaled abandon.<\/p>\n
You can expect resistance.\u00a0 While my body ages and is slowly forced to accept your inevitable toll, my spirit will revel in youth and resilience.\u00a0 Instead of accepting my limitations, I will climb higher, laugh louder and run faster.\u00a0 I refuse to let you dictate what I can and cannot do.\u00a0 I will be the one to determine my limits and then I will be the one to surpass those limits.<\/p>\n
You will also see me succeed.\u00a0 You will see me excel in ways you or I never thought possible.\u00a0 You will witness abilities and passions surface in me with unexpected force and grace.\u00a0 Certainly there will be setbacks and obstacles, but I will surprise you with untapped potential and perseverance.\u00a0 You see, your predecessor, 30, has taught me that I am stronger and more persistent than I may appear.\u00a0 I will embrace this strength and show you exactly what I am made of.<\/p>\n
All that said, I am ready for you.\u00a0 Ready for your challenges and your obstacles.\u00a0 Ready for your thrilling victories and your new adventures.\u00a0 Ready to let go of who I\u2019ve been and learn who I am becoming.\u00a0 Ready to move ahead.\u00a0 Ready to experience life with confidence, exhilaration, and passion.\u00a0 I am ready.\u00a0 I hope you are too.<\/p>\n
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