40 is the new 40

My 40th birthday is just 10 short days away!  I was discussing this with a friend recently and she commented that we can call it my 30th.  I smiled and told her I'm fine with owning all 40 of the years I've lived, but it did get me thinking.

Why are we so ashamed to admit milestone birthdays or advancing age?  Why would I want to lie about being 40?  If I fib and knock off 10 years from my age, which 10 am I discounting? Which years am I telling the world didn't count?  Was it the year I got honorable mention at the middle school art show?  The year I went to the state debate tournament with my sister?  Or maybe it was the year my mom died, I started my senior year of college, and got into law school - that was a doozy.  I wouldn't want to give up the year I met Bill the ex-boyfriend or even the year I ended that relationship, nor would I skip the one where I got the job with Keller ISD.  I certainly am not giving up the year Matthew made me a sister-in-law or Keaton made me an aunt.  Every single year has mattered to me, and I carry them with me with pride.  Those years come with some wrinkles, gray hairs, and knees that pop occasionally, but they also come with precious memories, dear friends, and additional loved ones.

In 10 days I will be 40, and I couldn't be happier about it.