Rocking Over 40

C O U R A G E. Now there’s a word that incites different feelings for people. A word that some identify with and others don’t. When I was in my 20s, I didn’t consider myself courageous. As a matter of fact, when I thought of courageous people, I thought of people like Rosa Parks fighting for civil rights, or Amelia Earhart, who literally gave women wings in a male-dominated industry. I thought of firemen who raged wild fires risking their lives every day, or soldiers who fought and died for the freedom of our country. A courageous person was someone whose impact, bravery and actions affected millions and created…

A few days ago, I conducted a quick poll on Facebook to determine what age most Rocking Over 40 women feel at heart, regardless of their chronological age. A resounding majority feel younger than they really are…a couple of DECADES younger, as a matter of fact. Ooh-la-la! There were a minority of women who felt their age or much older and it was primarily due to illness, an unhealthy lifestyle, or overall exhaustion. To check out the results on Facebook, click here But generally, women in their 40s and 50s feel in their 20s at heart. I’ve often heard 40 is the new 20, but I think that is a flawed…

A few months ago, my youngest son turned 6 and I recall how excited he was to be having a birthday. Thirty days prior to his birthday he started a countdown and talked incessantly about all the things he was going to do on his big day. He was eager to turn 6 and not be 5 anymore. “I’ll be a big boy now, right mom?” he asked continuously. He was 5 going on 12, and on his way to “catching up” with his older brother. His birthday (finally) arrived and he had the time of his life, the “bestest birthday ever,” he proclaimed all day.  He went to bed…

He was in my thoughts every minute of the day, in my dreams every hour of the night.  I was 29 and this new love hit me like a freight train. There was no stopping us. It was passionate, it was intense, it was raw, it was euphoric, it was addicting, and every other emotion in between. My life was a non-stop rollercoaster, full of excitement, suspense, and my arms up in the air savoring every forsaken second of this thrilling ride. By his side, I could envision the possibility of an amazing life. I have been with my husband for 16 years now, and this is how our love…