Tomorrow is my birthday… I’m pretty close to a big milestone now, much as it sometimes feels like I can’t possibly have gotten here so fast. Getting older changes things, but some of it can mean we’re getting better with age. Last year, some friends shared what has changed for them- it was so fun, I thought I’d share it again in case you missed it!
I might not have the groove any more, but now I have the grace.
No more searching for acceptance from others, but now I find it in myself.
I might not have the stamina of a marathon runner any more, but now I am damn good at a marathon nap. No more late nights out partying for me, but now there’s a THRILL in late night reruns on tv. -Chris, The Mom Cafe
I might not be able to do the splits on the floor any more, but I can split up a fight between my boys. I’m also good at splitting the bill. -Kelley, Kelley’s Break Room
No more midnight cocktails for me, but now I have daytime picnics and impromptu dance parties and always (always) someone (or three someones!) to share cake with. -Galit,These Little Waves
No more whenever, wherever sex for me, but now my imagination is getting a workout trying to find time and places (and distractions for the kids). -Arnebya, What Now and Why
No more diapers, sleepless nights or babysitters for me, but now I share my life with two young ladies who delight, amuse and add to my life in more ways than I ever could have imagined … if that is what getting older brings – I’ll take it. -Nicole, Sisters from Another Mister
You’ll no longer find me sneaking in at 3AM after a long night of partying, but you will find me TRYing to sneak in without waking up my kid at around eleven after a fun laughter-filled night out with the girls! (She’s usually still awake, though!) -Andrea, Good Girl Gone Redneck
I might not be able to do a toe touch in the air anymore, but now I can run for more than three miles with obstacles without losing my lunch. While crying. I may still lose it and I might even cry, but not at the same time. And, you should see me in Zumba. Big. Freaking. Deal. Miley’s got nothing on me. -Amanda, Dude Mom
I might not be on the same journey you are…but I can still walk a mile in your shoes and rock my high heels doing it! -Kir, The Kir Corner
No more nightclubs for me, but now I still go to the bathroom in a pack (a pack of my children). -Kim, Shutterbag
I might not fit in size 3 pants any more, but now I rock the yoga ones.
No more fancy dinners but now I’m recognized by the staff at McDonalds. -Amber, Airing My Dirty Laundry
I might not have the ‘perfect’ fit body anymore; but I have the confidence and peace in life to know that it is okay. -Emily, EmmyMom
I might not be able to spend my weekends dancing until dawn but now I’m old enough to appreciate waking up dawn rather than sleeping my day away because I was dancing all night. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to dance. But I want to be home by midnight. -Lisa,Atypical Familia
“No more getting upset that there’s 5 loads of laundry that need to be folded, now I’m all about using it as a hideout when I hear the word “MOM!” being screamed.” -Tina, Life Without Pink
I might not be in my 20’s anymore, but now I know more about myself and what really matters. -Natalie, From Coporate to Domestic
I might not be 107 pounds anymore, but now I feel more comfortable in my own skin. No more wondering what I’ll be when I grow up, but now I know I’m strong enough to do/be anything I want to be & the best part is I couldn’t care less what other people think of my choices. -Deborah, The Truth About Motherhood
My Saturday nights used to include going out with my girls. Now they include Mario Kart marathons with my boys! -Adrienne, The Mommy Mess
And Alison from Writing, Wishing shared her favorite quote about birthdays:
“I’ve enjoyed every age I’ve been, and each has had its own individual merit. Every laugh line, every scar, is a badge I wear to show I’ve been present, the inner rings of my personal tree trunk that I display proudly for all to see. Nowadays, I don’t want a “perfect” face and body; I want to wear the life I’ve lived.” – Pat Benatar