You know those moments in life when everything seems to shift, and suddenly you’re seeing the world through a whole new lens? Well, turning 42 this month has been exactly that kind of moment for me. It’s like I’ve hit this invisible checkpoint where I’m suddenly hyper-aware of how much has changed – in my body, in my mindset, in my relationships – and I can’t help but reflect on it all.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been fascinated by how people navigate different stages of their lives. There’s something so captivating about hearing others’ experiences, their struggles, their victories – it helps us feel less alone in our own journeys, doesn’t it?

That’s why in this week’s episode, I’m opening up about my personal experiences with turning 42. I’m sharing the honest, sometimes uncomfortable truths about aging, the unexpected joys I’ve discovered, and the profound shifts in how I see myself and my place in the world.

Whether you’re approaching your 40s, well past them, or still have them on the distant horizon, I think you’ll find something relatable in this candid discussion. Because at the end of the day, we’re all on this journey of growth and self-discovery together.

The Physical Reality of Aging

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the physical changes that come with aging. I find myself acutely aware of it these days, noticing things that were never an issue before. The gray hairs sprouting at my temples, the way my body feels after a tennis match – it’s all new territory.

I remember looking at photos of myself from 15, even 20 years ago, and thinking I looked largely the same. But now? My joints feel stiffer after playing tennis. I actually have to wear recovery shoes to avoid limping. It’s a stark reminder that our bodies change, and with that change comes a shift in priorities.

A New Approach to Self-Care

My approach to self-care has undergone a complete transformation. Once upon a time, I was the epitome of low-maintenance. Now, I find myself dyeing my hair every two weeks and even exploring cosmetic procedures like Botox. It’s not just about vanity – it’s about how I want to present myself to the world and, more importantly, how I want to feel in my own skin.

These aren’t easy decisions. They come with questions I never thought I’d be asking myself. How do I want to age? What does graceful aging mean to me? In a society that values youth so highly, how do I navigate these waters authentically?

The Mental Shift: Embracing ‘Self-Firstness’

Perhaps the most profound change has been mental. For the first time in my adult life, I’m experiencing what I can only describe as a sense of ‘self-firstness’. As a mom since 20, I’ve always put my children and family first. But now, I’m learning it’s okay to say, “I want to take a bath” or “I’m going to hang out with friends” without feeling guilty.

This shift hasn’t been easy. It felt uncomfortable at first, almost selfish. But I’m learning that taking time for myself doesn’t make me a worse mother or partner – if anything, it makes me better equipped to show up fully for my loved ones.

The Joy and Challenges of this New Chapter

With this new chapter come both joys and challenges. The relationship I have with my adult daughter, Alexis, is a source of immense happiness. Watching her plan surprises for my birthday, seeing her grow into her own person – it’s a blessing I didn’t even know to look forward to.

But there are also harder truths to face. Accepting that some parts of my life won’t look the way I envisioned – like the realization that Joseph and I won’t have more biological children – comes with its own kind of grief. Yet, in accepting these realities, I’m also finding a sense of liberation and openness to new possibilities.

Looking Forward: The Excitement of What’s Next

Despite the challenges, I find myself excited about what’s to come. At 42, I feel like I’m just beginning in many ways. I’m more comfortable in my own skin, less concerned with others’ opinions, and more willing to question societal norms. In short, I’m becoming more authentically me.

This journey of self-discovery and growth isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s about continuously asking ourselves what we want, what a fulfilling life looks like for us, and making decisions that align with those values.

An Invitation to You

As I navigate this new chapter, I can’t help but wonder: Where are you in your journey? Are you feeling called to reassess your life, to redesign what you want it to look like?

If so, I want to invite you to join me inside of “Your Next Chapter.” Together, we’ll work on envisioning where you want to go and creating a plan to get there. This isn’t a one-time thing – it’s ongoing work that we do throughout our lives. And I’d be honored to guide you through this process.

Click here to learn more and start designing Your Next Chapter.

Remember, it’s never too late to start the next chapter of your story. Life may be unpredictable, but that’s what makes it beautiful. Here’s to embracing change, growth, and all the possibilities that lie ahead.