As I gaze into the mirror and scrutinize my reflection, I can’t help but notice the subtle transformations that have gradually taken place in my body. Occasionally, I manage to convince myself that I am the same woman I was two decades ago. However, more often than not, those small changes serve as a stark reminder that I am racing against time.
But then I pause. Why do we strive so desperately to cling to our youth? While the fear of aging is understandable, now that I’m approaching 40, I find myself increasingly inclined to celebrate the entirety of my journey rather than yearn for the past. Every experience I’ve had has enriched my life and solidified my sense of self.
So, I take another look at myself and offer a kind of love letter to my nearly 40-year-old self.
My Eyes
These eyes, although adorned with a few more crow’s feet, have witnessed extraordinary moments. They’ve seen the Grand Canyon bathed in sunrise light and sunsets at the southern tip of Italy. They’ve watched a loving partner recite wedding vows and marveled at the first breaths of my daughter and son. They’ve absorbed breathtaking films, powerful literature, serene lakes, vast oceans, majestic mountains, and fleeting shooting stars.
My Belly
This belly may be a touch softer and wider than it once was, but it has held two beautiful lives as they developed from mere cells into fully formed humans. It expanded to nurture them until they were ready to embrace the world. This belly has savored pain au chocolat in Paris, garlic soup in the Czech Republic, and fish and chips on the English coast, as well as nourishing homemade salads and love-infused chocolate chip pancakes.
My Breasts
These breasts may no longer be as firm as they used to be, yet they have provided nourishment for my children for over three years combined. They’ve supported two inquisitive toddlers and have been a source of comfort, not to mention appreciated by my partner, regardless of their appearance.
My Mouth
This mouth, now lined with more laugh lines than a decade ago, has shared countless stories, sung lullabies, and laughed until it hurt. It has whispered words of love, offered support, and read bedtime stories. It has named new babies and bid farewell to loved ones.
My Body
While my bones may creak and my body feels stiffer in the mornings, it has accomplished remarkable feats. It has brought life into the world, climbed the Red Rocks of Sedona, danced Bollywood-style, ridden horses, and embraced yoga. It has healed from injuries, nurtured gardens, crafted furniture, and laid beneath the stars to contemplate the universe’s vastness.
Indeed, my body is aging, and while it may not look or function as it once did, every change is a badge of honor earned through life experiences. In a world that often venerates youth over age, it’s easy to overlook the significance of growing older. Many invest heavily in attempts to reverse the clock, yet we should embrace every gray hair and wrinkle as a testament to our journeys.
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In summary, as I approach 40, I choose to celebrate the life I’ve lived—the experiences, the growth, and the love—embracing each change as a testament to who I am today.