Lordy Lordy...

First let me say that I LOVED all of your six-word life stories! You are a creative and fascinating bunch. Thanks for sharing! Bravo!

So, I would like you all to know that I am in my 30's. That's right, I am STILL a 30-something young woman...until Saturday.
This is not a plea for happy birthday wishes or a cry for Botox gift certificates. It is just a blatant appeal for your attention as I wax poetic while standing on the precipice of a new decade.

As narcisstic as I am and as much as I would like to write sonnets about my new purple patent leather Michael Kors handbag, I want to reflect (this once) on something other than my reflection. As my 40th birthday looms, I can summarize my feelings in two words: aging rocks. I am not alone in this view. Studies have shown that while physical beauty may be the domain of the young and the crack-head thin, HAPPINESS is being hoarded by us older folk. The reason is not what you might think. The happiness of women (and men) "of a certain age" (I love that expression) has less to do with having achieved their goals and everything to do with having learned self-acceptance. I remember the drama and angst of my 20's. I was so anxious about relationships, money, career, everything. Would my dreams come true or would I fail?
What actually transpired was a little bit of both. Yes, I made it to Broadway, but what I found out once I was there was that it didn't solve all my problems. I was just as insecure on the inside as I'd always been. Even marrying the man of my dreams didn't fix the broken places in me. I'm still working on the critical voice in my head, learning how to tone her sassy-ass down, and taking each challenge as it comes. But the glory of being (almost!) forty is that I've learned that I can count on that slightly wrinkled girl in the mirror. In addition to the blessings in my life, there has been suffering, loss, illness, and heartache. And I've learned that no matter how hopeless things might seem, and how far into the darkness I wander, tomorrow will be a new day and I will eventually experience joy again.
On Saturday, when I am officially the big 4-0, I plan to celebrate in a pretty simple way. My dearest friends will be spending the weekend in my Jersey home. Lucky for me, they happen to be terrific cooks. We are going to stay in, drink some wine, and cook up an Italian feast. I will be wearing some fabulous fall fashion (which has yet to be determined) and doing my darnedest to make the outside me look like 40 is the new 20. But as for the inside, I say let 40 be the new 80. I want Maya Angelou wisdom and perspective NOW! Bring it on.

Wherever you are this weekend, I hope you will raise a glass with people you love and drink a toast to your own growth, the triumphs and tragedies you've experienced thus far. And know that whatever your age, whatever the external circumstances of your life, you have the power within you to see your reflection through mature eyes (even if you haven't the slightest trace of crow's feet yet).