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Footsteps
By Laurel Ross
I
turned forty. And I survived. It was not the trauma
I had feared. In fact, I managed to turn it into
a reasonably positive experience. I dulled the pain
by treating myself extremely well - bought jewelry,
went on a cruise, and threw a dinner party for my
friends. All of this helped. I also realized how
asinine my stress over a number was, especially
in light of the everyday struggles and general angst
of life. Being forty is not a bad thing. There is
truth to the concept of wisdom coming with age.
I made sure to take care of me, and that made a
huge difference.
I've learned to truly appreciate the people I've
chosen to have as a part of my life. I am thoroughly
blessed with wonderful friends and family. I concede
that sometimes they don't appear quite so wonderful.
They often appear quite insane, needy, and whacked.
But even then, they add an incredible depth to my
life, for which I am forever grateful. I gathered
many of these people together to celebrate my 40th,
and the power and energy of that night will stay
with me for years to come.
Pampering myself has made a big difference. I cruised
the Greek Islands with a group of 30 singles. Needless
to say, 26 of them were women, but that's a story
for another column. We did a lot of shopping on
the trip, and it took on additional significance
for each of us because we were "buying for me."
Buying things that were not necessarily useful or
practical, but buying because we wanted it, and
it would give us pleasure. I bought a pair of gorgeous,
extravagant boots, which I never would have bought
in 'real life.' Every time I put them on, I smile.
They feel wonderful, look amazing, and they change
my whole attitude.
I know that I will not go through life waiting for
someone else to treat me the way that I want to
be treated. I can and will treat myself right. My
nieces and nephew will inherit my beloved things,
instead of cash. Hopefully, they will know the stories
that go with the objects, and come to cherish them
as much as I do.
Celebrating matters. From now on, I will try to
take every opportunity to celebrate the good things
in life. Birthdays, health, positive news, good
dental checkups, whatever! Life deserves to be enjoyed.
I need to notice the good and to take a moment to
celebrate those moments. Pleasant things often seem
too far away. Celebrating even the small moments,
with a smile, a wordless acknowledgement, or an
all out celebration makes it life so much better.
Being forty is neither a beginning nor an end, it's
merely a footstep in the midst of an amazing journey.
Editors Note: Laurel Ross welcomes your (gentle)
comments. Her email is LaurelRoss39@aol.com
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