Turning 40…my road to a mental breakdown?

One month from today, I turn the dreaded 4-0.

Despite Oprah’s claim that life begins at 40, I’m having a hard time with it.  And for that I blame When Harry Met Sally.

I have watched this movie no less than 500 times.  I remember watching it for the first time when I was in high school thinking, “wow….40.  That’s so far away….”

And now…

When Harry Met Sally

As I approach 40, I’m very conflicted.

On one hand, I’m so blessed that I’ve made it this long.  I’m continuously reminded how short and unfair life can be.  I need to remind myself that waking up each day is a gift.

On the other hand, I have no idea where the time went or how I got here.  I feel like I just left home for college and everything since is a blur.  Some people consider their 30’s to be the “sophisticated” years.  For me, it’s more of a blur.  I have spent this entire decade raising two children, career building and watching too much television.  (Let’s be honest, I’ve ALWAYS done that…)

But I’m also proud.  Proud of what I accomplished, proud of my family and proud that hard work has paid off. But if in the next few weeks, if you think something is wrong with me, just know, I’m distracted the “dead end” of When Harry Met Sally is really here.

So instead of dwelling on the past, I’m focusing on what’s ahead and what I plan to accomplish in the next decade….so here goes…

  • Write a book.
  • Read more.
  • Start a podcast based exclusively on my obsessive tv habits.
  • Travel more.  Especially internationally.
  • Spend more quality time with family & friends.
  • Get rid of the dead weight  – old friendships…and actual weight.
  • Get my master degree.
  • Learn to play the violin.

The nice thing to realize, I’m not alone in this. I have some friends who have hit the nail on the head in their awesome video about being 40…
The line, “Ubering home at 9:20…” really hit home.