On Turning 40

I am turning 40 in a few weeks time. I know, I still look 30, you don’t have to remind me. I get told all the time. I do enjoy baffling new acquaintances with my age though, it’s quite humorous. The other week my physio didn’t believe me and she had my birthday on her notes. I offered to show her ID and ring Mum for confirmation. I am looking forward to turning 40. I know that most don’t enjoy the passage of time and being reminded of it, another tick on the ledger, but I kinda feel like I’ve earned this one. This milestone. I’m about halfway through my novel and its been mostly an enjoyable read.

I always feel a little down though at this time of year because I can never get everyone I love into one room to celebrate at the same time. What with it being so close to Christmas and everyone being scattered and having families and busy lives of their own. It’s a little pang in my heart. So this year, because it’s a bit of a landmark birthday I organised early… and essentially my birthday celebrations span from 2 December to 21 December. And I’m managing to see the majority of my lovely friends and do fun things with them separately. And all of them involve food in some way shape or form. It was chuckle worthy when I was explaining to some acting friends what I was up to and the realisation hit me that whatever else I’m doing, it also involves food. And why not. My favourite thing to do is sit around and catch up with friends and doing that with the accompaniment of good food just makes it even better.

On turning 40, I thought that maybe my outlook would mature a little and I’d maybe feel like an adult. We’re a few days out from the official switch over from 39 to 40 and it hasn’t happened yet. And I really can’t see a big firework going off on the day and I suddenly mature like a fine wine and start acting my age. I mean, what is it to act 40 nowadays? What am I meant to be doing? What is the meaning of life? Am I having an existential crisis..? No, I’m not. Another day will pass and I’ll be in a different age bracket and that will be the only significant change. And I suppose this is why I don’t really care about getting a year older. It actually changes nothing.

So a birthday for me is just an excuse to see loved ones, family and friends, have a good time and eat some good food… and maybe pick up some new Lego.