Thanks for sharing, your writing is so beautiful and always resonates deeply! This piece is a reminder that two things can be true at the same time, as someone turning 40 in a few months it comes with so many mixed conflicting feelings. Joy and anticipation of a new decade and fear and trepidation of mid life and all the changes that accompany this stage.
So glad to hear you are feeling similarly Nyachomba! Thank you so much for being here and reading and sharing your thoughts with me! I appreciate you. And I am excited for both of us ❤️
This is so well put & as I creep up to 40 myself. I resonated with so much of this. Especially the grief part. I truly do believe each birthday is a gift but the reason I feel that way is because of that exact grief feeling you expressed. Great post. And happy early birthday! 🎉
I have a lot to do with the number 40,although i am 25 digits past the 40.
2 months ago, i dreamt of my late father, i looked at him happily saying to him, O my father, although you are 80 years old but you look as young as 40.
It was an affirmation to number 40 that i searched 4 decades ago.
But i was not fully satisfied. I want to dream of my late mother that i have not seen for decades.
Ten days ago, suddenly my wish was given : i was sitting with her to my right side. I gave her $ 40 🇺🇸, then kissed her forehead, that always thought about me as her son, and then kissed her hands that raised me up. I then started to cry.
Now the confirmation of the number 40 to me is almost a reality.
Nadia, happy 40,and happy meaningful life to the rest.
"happy meaningful life to the rest" that made me smile, it's so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story. How fascinating all of it is! Sending you love!
My best friend just turned 40 a week ago, and I just told her that she is awesome! I Believe we are the age where our mind and body are, and often it has nothing to do with the date my mother pushed me out of her. The more years we have, it's just an accomplishment.
This was an excellent summary of how I felt when I turned 40. I'll be turning 45 soon and everything you mentioned still resonates. We're all on our personal journeys and life paths. Your 40's await you with open arms. 🙏🏽
It’s interesting processing the passing of time. This is beautifully written, thanks for sharing!
My dad passed at age 48. He had a bit of a “midlife crisis” around age 45, but it’s wild to think his actual mid-age period was around age 24! <3 Ultimately, aging is a privilege. But it isn’t for the weak!
A very happy bday, with all the champagne, the gua-sha, the ignoring, and the acknowledging, the community but also the time alone to write these fantastic essays :)
Turning 40 in December and really could related to so much here. Very grateful our paths have crossed in some way, and that I can be leaning into your words in these shaky times. 🙏🏼 thank you.
I love to see you are progressing and changing. Great example. Great insights. The sad part would be when people at 40 say their best days are over. And you see so many best days yet to come. Best wishes to you and smooth journey
Nadia, I'm grateful that you exist. I'm right on your heels at 37, and I so resonate with the fear that comes from realizing very intimately how quickly time passes. nowadays, the only thing I really find myself wishing that I had more of is time. genuinely.
Anywho, as always, your writing is so tender and generative. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. and wishing you the happiest birthday. May 40 be gentle and life-giving to you.
Hi, and Happy Birthday, Nadia. Thank you for sharing your deep thoughts on turning 40. I’m 63 now, and I just want to say—my 40s were some of the best years of my life. Don’t fear this next chapter; embrace it. Forty is still so very youthful, and it comes with a deeper sense of self, confidence, and the freedom to explore life on your terms. Changes do happen, and it will open your heart and mind to what a gift aging really is, and you are a beautiful writer...with love, Janet
Thanks for sharing, your writing is so beautiful and always resonates deeply! This piece is a reminder that two things can be true at the same time, as someone turning 40 in a few months it comes with so many mixed conflicting feelings. Joy and anticipation of a new decade and fear and trepidation of mid life and all the changes that accompany this stage.
Both sets of feelings completely valid
So glad to hear you are feeling similarly Nyachomba! Thank you so much for being here and reading and sharing your thoughts with me! I appreciate you. And I am excited for both of us ❤️
This is so well put & as I creep up to 40 myself. I resonated with so much of this. Especially the grief part. I truly do believe each birthday is a gift but the reason I feel that way is because of that exact grief feeling you expressed. Great post. And happy early birthday! 🎉
hmmm yes. That is so true. One isn't possible without the other! Thank you for that reminder Jamie ❤️
This is beautifully written and worded! 🙌🏾
Thank you so so much! ❤️
I have a lot to do with the number 40,although i am 25 digits past the 40.
2 months ago, i dreamt of my late father, i looked at him happily saying to him, O my father, although you are 80 years old but you look as young as 40.
It was an affirmation to number 40 that i searched 4 decades ago.
But i was not fully satisfied. I want to dream of my late mother that i have not seen for decades.
Ten days ago, suddenly my wish was given : i was sitting with her to my right side. I gave her $ 40 🇺🇸, then kissed her forehead, that always thought about me as her son, and then kissed her hands that raised me up. I then started to cry.
Now the confirmation of the number 40 to me is almost a reality.
Nadia, happy 40,and happy meaningful life to the rest.
🌿🌴
"happy meaningful life to the rest" that made me smile, it's so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story. How fascinating all of it is! Sending you love!
My best friend just turned 40 a week ago, and I just told her that she is awesome! I Believe we are the age where our mind and body are, and often it has nothing to do with the date my mother pushed me out of her. The more years we have, it's just an accomplishment.
this is beautiful! Thank you so much! 😊
Raising a real smile Nadia in itself is an achievement. It is a plant yet to grow.
This was an excellent summary of how I felt when I turned 40. I'll be turning 45 soon and everything you mentioned still resonates. We're all on our personal journeys and life paths. Your 40's await you with open arms. 🙏🏽
It’s interesting processing the passing of time. This is beautifully written, thanks for sharing!
My dad passed at age 48. He had a bit of a “midlife crisis” around age 45, but it’s wild to think his actual mid-age period was around age 24! <3 Ultimately, aging is a privilege. But it isn’t for the weak!
That is so wild indeed! And we just don't know, do we! I am sorry you lost him so early. Lots of love and thank you for your kind comment!
A very happy bday, with all the champagne, the gua-sha, the ignoring, and the acknowledging, the community but also the time alone to write these fantastic essays :)
Thank you so much! I have a lovely week planned for my birthday, it will be very relaxed!
Happy Birthday Nadia hope it is a good un ❤️
Not yet, but thank you! :)
Turning 40 in December and really could related to so much here. Very grateful our paths have crossed in some way, and that I can be leaning into your words in these shaky times. 🙏🏼 thank you.
Oh hi fellow 1985-er : ) Thank you for reading and relating! I am so so grateful for you and your voice!
I love to see you are progressing and changing. Great example. Great insights. The sad part would be when people at 40 say their best days are over. And you see so many best days yet to come. Best wishes to you and smooth journey
Thank you so much that is so kind of you! I know it's not over until it's over :)
Nadia, I'm grateful that you exist. I'm right on your heels at 37, and I so resonate with the fear that comes from realizing very intimately how quickly time passes. nowadays, the only thing I really find myself wishing that I had more of is time. genuinely.
Anywho, as always, your writing is so tender and generative. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. and wishing you the happiest birthday. May 40 be gentle and life-giving to you.
Thank you for this warm wish Trey! ❤️ Thank you for being here and seeing me. Love x
Hi, and Happy Birthday, Nadia. Thank you for sharing your deep thoughts on turning 40. I’m 63 now, and I just want to say—my 40s were some of the best years of my life. Don’t fear this next chapter; embrace it. Forty is still so very youthful, and it comes with a deeper sense of self, confidence, and the freedom to explore life on your terms. Changes do happen, and it will open your heart and mind to what a gift aging really is, and you are a beautiful writer...with love, Janet
Such a gorgeous, warming and encouraging message from the future! Thank you Janet, I am so excited to read this and so grateful!!!!
I love your beautiful and raw self, may it long continue into your 40s and beyond 🧡
Thank you darling! ❤️
Ahh the pen imagery!! Happy belated birthday 🎂 🎈I’ve so enjoyed your writing! 💜