I am turning 40! I am pretty excited about this. I think men love being 30, but I think I will love being 40. When I used to race Triathlon it was always the Women-40 category that were crazy fit. I understand why now - they don't have time to mess about. They were machines and it was amazing to see.
I am done having kids and done being pregnant. I was pregnant or nursing babies the following years of my 30s: 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39. This is probably why I made most of my new mountain biking friends when I was 37. That's a lot of years spent doing very small baby life. I'm excited to be able to work on my own health and fitness without thinking there is a baby around the corner. Of course there is still menopause and life around the corner, but hopefully I am fully done with diastasis at least.
It's our 10 year wedding anniversary this year. It's 15 years since we met. That's a lot of years!
This year Lilah is starting school, which means 50% of my kids will be in full time education.
All this plays into some thoughts on goals for this year. I have a lot of "Personal" goals this year. Andy is also turning 40 this year, so this is OUR YEAR OF 40! as such, we have added a new budget line item for "Andy and Rachel Fun" this year and are planning 12 adventures. We haven't planned all of them but have the following
- Day off work to go mountain biking
- Day off work to go shopping in town and get lunch (also part of wardrobe upgrade project)
- Go to a fancy restaurant and try a tasting menu
- Walk up a local mountain
- Visit a local brewery
- Go climbing with friends in the evening and then get a beer
- See a show (or a film)
I am also hoping this is the year I start to make my mark professionally. I got a promotion in work last year, but the new job title is basically "What you were doing is great, keep going"! So, what am I doing? What do I want to be doing? What should I be doing? I don't know if this is how it works in other jobs, but I have been given the chance to craft my speciality going forward and I want to use this chance to do it before the tides of corporate change send me on a direction possibly not of my choosing.
What are you excited for this year? Is it a personal year? professional year? DO you have any milestone birthdays? Another year? In with the new year same as the old year?
I am excited for 2025. There are a few things I'm dreading, but honestly life feels a lot lighter because a) my kids are getting older and more independent b) a tremendously stressful life situation, while not resolved, is far less impactful than it was in 2024 and c) anti-anxiety meds. Any one thing wouldn't have done much for my mental health and optimism, but the 3-way combo has been very helpful.
ReplyDeleteHopes for 2025? That the troublesome neighbours will finally move. That the kids will thrive in school (especially Belle who is starting high school; HOW DO I HAVE A HIGH SCHOOLER?). That I'll get into a good groove of exercise, writing, and time with friends. And that this year's corporate taxes will be painless. Oh how I dread tax season!
This is definitely a personal year. So was last year. Stepping down from my "big" project management role was such a good idea. I haven't regretted that decision for a second.
No milestone birthdays for us.
I really hope your neighbours move. I will send moving vibes your way!
DeleteIt's also great to read about your 3 way mental health combo. I love reading about your bigger kid life. It sounds fun. It's also great that not doing project management has given you the chance to do so many more things you want to do. like... blog! :-)
Yay 40s!!! I think you will like this decade. And why yes I do have a milestone birthday this year, since I'm exactly 10 years ahead of you. Big plans? Nothing much, just quitting my job and starting to live my life.
ReplyDeleteI like your date list! We have two theater dates already planned, and once winter is over you'll find us back on the hike and bike trail. I'm going to add fancy restaurant/tasting menu and brewery to the list.
Yay thank you for your support on enjoying being 40! I am so excited for you to quit your job and be more awesome! I think you will make 50 look super awesome.
DeleteLeading up to 40 was rough (surprised me, how many feelings i was having about it about a month or so before it happened). Actual 40 is just another day. Sounds like you will make that day AWESOME! -rachel
ReplyDeleteCheers to 2025. Those are great goals.
ReplyDeleteI am excited for 2025 for myself and for my family. Professionally, I am settled, I make a very good living, my job is not that stressful, and I have plenty of time off. Plus, teaching can be very rewarding.
I think it will be a personal and family year. My word of the year for 2025 is focus and I will/have been focusing on things that matter. That means, getting outside, being present, traveling, putting my phone into another room, meditation, and getting my morning routine back. No milestone birthdays this year. I want to do two national road trips and one long international trip- to France.