Look at aging in a whole new light!

By: Kathleen Cvitkovic

As I approach 40, I feel excited and confident. Some may look at my life and wonder why I feel this way. I can truly say that those are two feelings that I have about approaching this major milestone in my life.

I was one of the many that recently lost their job during this tough time in today’s economy. Maybe this is one reason that has made me feel this way. Kind of sounds silly to say being unemployed is a good thing but for me right now in my life it works. Did I think that at 38 I would be looking for a job? No, I thought that I would have an established career and be extremely successful. As far as a job, well maybe that isn’t the case, but as far as my life, DEFINITLEY!

I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful kids that make my life complete! Everyday I look at my family and feel blessed. I think about the friendships I have made over time (long ago or recently) and can’t believe the support system that surrounds me. When I think of the circle of people that I have around me, I am extremely thankful that I have crossed paths with each and every one of them.

When you are younger, you dream of the perfect life. This picture changes over time as you mature and really begin to understand what it means to have true happiness. Now that I am older, and fast approaching forty, the small things in life mean more than the big dreams of having a successful career that one thinks about when you are younger.

For me, I focus more on the everyday things in life to shape how I feel about the direction of my life right now. To see my children hug each other makes me feel confident that we are raising them to be loving and kind. To see my kids laugh makes me feel happy that we are creating wonderful memories for them to remember as a family. This is what life if about!

I think that there is too much focus in life on aging gracefully and looking young forever. People buy creams to get rid of wrinkles or have surgery to fix other aging signs that everyone eventually faces. If people put a little more emphasis on more important things in life, they might actually realize that they will not only look younger but also feel younger by simply being happy.

At the end of the day, we all are getting older and really there is nothing we can do to postpone this process. I guess I look at aging as an exciting time to really focus on how I can be the best person possible. Not only for my family but also for myself. My thirties were great and I can’t wait to see what happens in my forties. BRING IT ON!