This weekend I have a birthday. In fact tomorrow I turn 40. This has been terrifying me for the past six months. I’ve always been proud of the fact that I look younger than my age, but there’s something different about turning forty.
I’m now looking in the mirror and seeing the effects of age. I actually feel that tomorrow I will look in the mirror and overnight I will look at least a hundred years old.
I have approached every birthday before this as just another number, but forty is actual adulthood. There’s no getting away from the fact that I’m no longer young. I think I have to start wearing a hair net and ask for a blue rinse at the hairdressers.
So in order to prevent the complete and utter degeneration of my mind and body by turning the incredibly old age of forty, if anyone asks my age, for at least a good couple of years, I have decided I will be 39. That sounds like a good plan and one I hope, no one will be able to pull me up on. Unless that is, I actually do look like an old haggard maid tomorrow.
D.J.Kirkby says
Well, havng passed 40 a few years ago I have come to the realisation that getting older every year is so much better than the alternative. So, happy birthday for tomorrow! xo
Wendy Soliman says
What she said! Seriously though, forty is the new thirty so enjoy. Happy birthday.
Carrie says
Happy Birthday. And like Wendy said 40 is the new 30. Also you are only as old as you feel.
Rebecca Bradley says
Denyse – Thank you. I know I have a lot to be grateful for. The number is still scaring the beejeebers out of me :0)Wendy – Thank you. I heard that about 40. It may take some getting used to. Until then, I'm falling back on 39 :0)Carrie – Thank you. I think how I feel is at times debatable!
Barbara says
I will be 45 this year and still feel young 🙂 Happy Birthday for tomorrow!
The Golden Eagle says
Happy Birthday for tomorrow. 🙂
Bethany says
Happy (almost) B-day!
nettiethomson.com says
I am 49 on Tuesday. Meh. I had a hairy canary when I realised that next year I can go on a Saga holiday. Make the most of being ONLY 40. It's all downhill from there.Love you :)Nx
Kath says
I passed 40 a couple of years ago now and it's been brilliant. It seriously doesn't bother me because it's more important how I feel than what number is attached to me. And who says you have to be a grown-up?! I don't think I got that memo… Enjoy, don't stress and have a very Happy Birthday tomorrow!!! xxx
RL.Treadway says
Happy Birthday!
Achelois says
Well I have found your blog on your Birthday. So Happy Happy 39th birthday! I am 46 and after 45th made the decision to spend not a moment more dwelling on my age, far too busy applying anti-wrinkle cream! Have put your blog in my reader and will look forward to reading it. It takes me a while with a new blog as I like to read at least six months worth if they are that long, as well as new posts. I don't have the stamina for more than about six months I am afraid.I have EDS hypermobility type as does my daughter aged 20. I used to be able to spell but my brain is somewhat mushy these days.Happy Birthday.
Rebecca Emin says
I hope you have a lovely day. Don't worry about the number, it really won't make any difference at all.
Rachel Lyndhurst says
Rebecca,believe me when I say turning 40 is actually quite cool. I'd even go so far as to say I'm having a lot more fun now that I did in my 30's.Have a fantastic day and don't worry about it!
Rebecca Bradley says
Barbara – Thanks Barbara, and that's great news to hear. It would also appear that I didn't turn into that old lady today :)Golden Eagle – Thank you.Bethany – Thank you.Nettie – I would never have said that about you from looking at your twitter profile pic. But I do agree, knowing I could go on Saga would probably make me throw all my toys out of the pram! Thank you xKath – Thank you. I'm glad to hear you didn't get that memo, maybe I can ignore the one that appeared in my head. I should just embrace this new number – maybe :)RL – Thank you.Achelois – Thank you. I'm glad you found my blog and I am now following yours with interest. I shall also be on the look out for some anti wrinkle cream now! :)Rebecca – Thank you. It's just a number, but the connotations behind it just shake me. I'm sure I will adjust. – In a year or so! :)Rachel – I know what you mean. I'm aiming for my dreams now so maybe I am coming into my own in my forties. I will see how it goes :)Thank you.
Elise says
Happy Birthday 🙂 I turned the big four oh in January. I tell everyone I'm 39.99 plus shipping and handling 😛 Have a great day!Elise
alberta ross says
It was a fantastic decade for me – much better than 30 – and as I have progressed far beyond it, I can say each decade just seems to get better – dont look in the mirror and then you'll be forever young!
alberta ross says
Like the new blog – 10/10
Peter says
Hi Rebecca- It's no big deal turning 40, though I understand you being a bit unnerved. it is just another year. By the way, your blog looks great.Peter
Rebecca Bradley says
Elise – Thank you. I love your explanation of your age!Alberta – Thank you. I've heard that. It would seem we are all aging better than we have ever been. Keeping my fingers crossed 🙂 Thank you for the blog comment. I'm glad you like it.Peter – I know it's just a number, but it seems to take you into a completely different area of life. I'm sure I will get used to it. Thank you for the comment on the blog 🙂