I turn 40 today.
To steal a line from Lennon and McCartney, the day has been creeping toward me like a nun.
Certainly age is a number, but perhaps we give some numbers greater meaning than others. As this day approached, I found myself looking back on my life.
What have I accomplished?
How am I doing?
Where have I succeeded?
Where have I failed?
And what did it all mean?
I found that in looking back, my tendency was to grade my life on some sort of scale relative to other people. In some areas, I felt like I was ahead. And in others, I was behind.
But the truth is that my life is my life. It’s a work in progress. Always will be. And it will never be quite like anyone else’s.
Reflecting on my life, it feels best to say that the first four decades of my life have been really, really wonderful and leave it at that.
What really feels good is leave the past in the past and to focus on all that’s ahead of me.
… I only expect things to get better and better from here.
Happy Birthday, Drew! I didn’t realize it, but you share a BD with my wonderful Mother-in-Law! She’s 80 today — twice your age.
I’d say that she would agree with you that her life is hers alone — and she still looks forward to what’s next.
Much love to you on YOUR day!
Happy birthday old boy! Looking out from the Duke’s tower, it’s pretty clear to me that you have already hit the walk off homerun! I hope you and the Dutchess of Hebron had a fantastic day. I look forward to our next adventure!
Walk off indeed. Your life is a Tex Message into the left field seats. And Ton’ would be proud of his son at 40 (as he was at 30). Much love,
Good Stuff Doctor….
Hi Drew
You don’t know me but I’ve enjoyed your blog and other writings for a couple years or more. I always look forward to reading what you have to say. Couldn’t wait for each installment of your kayak adventure. Anyway, just wanted to reach out across cyberspace and say HI and to wish you a very happy birthday! 40 is still very young you know! I hope you feel the love today. Blessings!
Elizabeth
Happy Birthday Drew!
Happy belated Birthday. I can still remember what it was like to turn 40. That was about 11 years ago for me. Time really does fly. Here is my free advice (thanks for all of yours!) : The body is the temple that holds the mind. As long as we are on earth, the two are connected and dependent on each other. 40 is the perfect age to begin to get serious about physical fitness. It will make everything better.
thanks, everyone! much appreciated!
and Stan — I appreciate your thoughts… precisely what I had in mind for myself!
thanks,
Drew