It’s that time again: my birthday. Yes, it comes around every year, whether I’m ready or not. This year, I hit 38, marking my official transition into my late 30s. It might seem like a minor shift, but it signifies that I’m only two years away from 40. When my dad turned 40, my mom threw him an Over the Hill party, complete with signs proclaiming him “Older than Dirt.” When I reach that milestone, my youngest child will still be in preschool.
Yet, before I let the thoughts of aging overwhelm me, I remember the many advantages of getting older. I celebrated my youth in my 20s, navigated the chaos of parenting in my 30s, and now, as I settle into my late 30s, I can look forward to some exciting things ahead. Here are eight reasons to embrace turning 38:
- I Find Humor in Fashion Trends: Watching high school girls recreate my ’90s fashion is a source of endless amusement. Chokers, Doc Martens, and floral dresses? Oh, the nostalgia! It’s amusing to see them emulate the very styles we once thought were “cool,” like plaid shirts tied around waists. Clearly, we didn’t make a strong enough impression back then to deter them from our fashion faux pas.
- No More Babies for Me: My kids are still young (5 and 2), but I’m officially done with pregnancy. Hooray! No more doctor appointments, food restrictions, or the discomfort that comes with growing a human. While I still have diapers to deal with, a whole new chapter of family adventures awaits as my little one grows a bit older.
- I Know My Style: After six years of motherhood, my body has changed, but I’ve learned what suits me. I embrace my assets with the right clothing—like supportive bras and fitted tops that highlight my waist. Plus, I’ve discovered the perfect hair color that flatters my complexion.
- I Understand What Doesn’t Work for Me: There are styles I’ve accepted I can’t pull off, like cigarette pants and T-straps. No matter my weight, some trends just don’t fit my body type. I no longer feel the need to try on every cute item I see; I’ve learned to pass on what isn’t meant for me.
- Weight Matters Less: Over the years, my weight has fluctuated, but I’ve come to terms with it. Instead of stressing over a few pounds, I focus on healthy habits and exercise, reminding myself that most people don’t notice small changes in weight.
- Facebook is Just a Game: I enjoy using Facebook to connect, but I don’t take it to heart if someone doesn’t engage with my posts. I share a lot about my parenting journey, and I understand that not everyone is interested. Plus, I’ve grown beyond jealousy of others’ highlight reels—I recognize that we all craft our online personas.
- Impressing Others Isn’t My Goal: If I choose to pursue weight loss, it’s for my own well-being, not to impress anyone. I wear what makes me feel good and raise my children the best I know how. Compliments are nice, but I no longer seek validation from others.
- I’m Happy to Be Anonymous: I once dreamed of fame, convinced I had what it took to be a literary sensation. Thankfully, I’m just a regular person now. The wild things I did in my youth? They don’t need to be public knowledge, especially since social media wasn’t around to document every moment.
Ultimately, the best reason to celebrate turning 38 is that I’ve gained perspective. Most of my embarrassing moments and questionable decisions are only remembered by me, allowing me to reconcile who I was with who I am today. And honestly? I’m grateful to be approaching 40 with a sense of humor and wisdom.
For more insights into parenting and fertility, check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys. If you’re interested in understanding the journey to parenthood further, visit this resource. Additionally, for credible information on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC offers excellent resources.
Summary: Embracing the transition into your late 30s can bring a sense of humor, self-acceptance, and freedom from societal pressures. As you navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood, you can gain clarity on your identity and priorities, ultimately feeling grateful for the wisdom that comes with age.