This is 40

Two years ago I wrote a blog post titled This is 38 (apparently I skipped 39, because of that whole global pandemic thing). In that post, I reflected on another year around the sun and wrote the following intentions: 

I want to spend more time...
-basking in the present moment.
-staring at the mountains and Puget Sound.
-hiking and grounding on the earth.
-exploring nearby destinations.
-acting spontaneously.
-experiencing everyday life with wonder.
-feeling gratitude for my blessings.
-writing, writing, writing.
-being intentional when using the internet.
-approaching my clients with curiosity and openness.
-living in accordance with my soul.

These intentions still resonate with me two years later. They are not fixed, they do not have an end date, they are still relevant as I turn 40. 

How do I feel about turning 40? I have always subscribed to the Oprah Winfrey school on aging: 

"Getting older is the best thing that ever happened to me. I wake up every morning rejoicing that I’m still here with an opportunity to begin again and be better." - Oprah Winfrey 

I truly have no feelings about it, other than feeling grateful and ready to see what the next decade brings. 

​Here is a fun graphic for those of us born in 1981. 

When I was younger, I imagined turning 40 would involve a party with "Over the Hill" banners hanging everywhere, instead I opted for a quiet long weekend in the Washington coastal town of Bellingham. It included all of my favorite things: salt water (complete with a boat ride to the San Juan Islands in which I saw a humpback and her baby), waterfalls, sunsets, coffee, and antique stores. Oh, and don't forget a humpback whale cake and ice cream. These are the things that give me vitality and feel like a celebration of life. 

No one knows the meaning of life, but at 40, I do know that following the feeling of being alive wherever I can find it is one of the best ways to find meaning.

Cruise through the San Juan islands to Friday Harbor.

Another image from the cruise.

Arrived in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island.

Gallery in Friday Harbor. Can you spot the T-Rex?

Humpback whale tail statue. My favorite animal and a theme from the weekend.

Friday Harbor Marina.

On the cruise back from Friday Harbor the captain stopped and said we were "as lucky as they get," because there was a humpback whale nearby in the water. As we watched the whale dive and surface we realized there was also a calf. It was the best moment of the weekend.

Whatcom Falls Park waterfall.

Beautiful stone bridge.

While antique shopping we happened upon this humpback mural.

We walked the boardwalk with stunning views.

Blue sky finally poked through the clouds.

Along the boardwalk was this statue of a dancer.

A quiet dinner at The Temple Bar at a very private table next to the window.

A toast to 40.

The humpback whale cake of my dreams.

Cake and drinks at an outdoor table at the hotel restaurant. Had the most fabulous view of a beautiful sunset.

The clouds showing off.

The sun setting on my 30s and the moon rising on the next decade.

At the stage of life you are in, what gives you vitality? How do you celebrate growing older? 

"There’s a reason they call it growing older—because it can help you grow wiser, stronger, and happier." - Oprah Winfrey