Thursday, November 10, 2005

The Big 40

Book Update: 79.7K
Goal: 80 to 85K, almost there!
Deadline: Ok, now I can really say next week, for sure.
Current Reads: 45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt/Fame by Karen Kingsbury

Yes, I'm still reading the same two books. Fighting with a couple scenes consumed a lot of my reading time this week. But, as you can see, the numbers show I'm almost done! Woohooo! I've added 2k since my last post, so that buys me some consideration, right? If you disagree, kindly keep your comments to yourself. LOL! Just kidding.

Anyway, I've realized the last few days that I'm not as cool about turning 40 as I thought. And I think it has a lot to do with expectations. I'm not going to go into detail but I think you can follow where I'm headed with this.

Sometimes we have expectations of ourselves at certain stages, what we'll be doing, what we'll look like, or what we'll have accomplished or even overcome. Seems like expectations really gum up the works though when they aren't met.

We mope and mourn over the loss (or should I say failure?), then create a whole new set of expectations. Do we never learn?

I loved turning 30. I was just so relieved to be free of the crap of the twenties. Little did I know the thirties had their own crap. I think the key here it to just enjoy whatever stage we're at. Hmmm, why does this sound familiar?

Paul said he'd known all ranges of wealth and poverty and had learned to be content in every state. I always thought of that as a materialistic reference, but I now see we can be in "wealth" or "poverty" in our attitude. I suspose that means my attitude has been a state of poverty the last couple days. Time for a reality check.

Sunday I turn 40. Tomorrow night I'm going to celebrate with my friends and family as I prepare to turn the decade clock. I will stop looking at it as the end of opportunities and see it as the beginning of a whole new chapter in my life. I'm ready to let go of what could have been and move on to what can be. Only this time, I'll leave the expectations behind.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

40 is the ending of the wilderness time and God will shower blessings so many you can hardly receive them.

I know I said that to you before but it needs to be repeated.

Oooh so get the contentment thing!

Love you Neenie!

Anonymous said...

YOU are so amazing and beautiful! I know many who would echo the sentiment that their lives have been enriched and blessed by having you in their lives.

Oh, and thanks for going before me and checking out 40. *grins*

Love ya, Girl!

Anonymous said...

I echo that sentiment!!!

Unknown said...

My sweet and gentle friend...age is merely a number....in many ways (such as wisdom and graciousness) you are way ahead of 40....but in the way you look and experience life, you're far behind that mark. Blessings, my dear friend, as you have blessed so many with your love, support and friendship. I, for one, am honored and grateful to be along for the ride as you enter your next chapter in this earthly life!

Camy Tang said...

Happy birthday, Dineen! I'm so sorry I got sick and couldn't make the party tonight. (waaaaaaaaaa)

But I will say, completely on record, I hope I look as GOOD as you do when I turn 40. I mean, shoot girl, you look like you're still my age.

Camy

Unknown said...

HOW WAS THE PARTY?

Anonymous said...

YEAH! WHAT ROBIN SAID!!!

Unknown said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEENIE!!!!

Anonymous said...

LOL K, sadly I reread what I wrote and I read happy birthday weenie.....

Anonymous said...

I totally agree on leaving the 20's behind ... :-P I do, however, have another year yet to go on the 30's. LOL

~Shannon, who can't find her blogger password