Last Sunday we celebrated my older sister’s 40th birthday. Although I had an absolute blast, I couldn’t help but think about the fact that soon, I would also be turning 40…ugh!  In her speech, my sister said that it was hard for her to imagine being that age. In fact, it’s hard for all of us. In 5 years I will be 40 too. That almost seems impossible, because I still feel like 25! I guess the reality is that although it doesn’t feel like things have changed, many things have.

Then…

At 25 I was a new wife and a new mom. My husband and I had been married a little over a year and we had our precious little Sofia to complete our family. Back then, I was always thinking about doing things right. I wanted to be the best wife, best mother, be the best daughter in law, best sister and  be the best at my job.  I had many challenges and I made mistakes, I couldn’t let them go. Overall, I am proud of the way I handled my life, my challenges and my expectations.

Now…

At age 35, I’m a not so new wife, married almost 12 years and a mother of 3. I still work, but I am an entrepreneur and more focused on helping others than moving up the ladder. I still want to be the best mother, and on occasion, the best wife, sorry, I do have 3 kids! My expectations of / for others…slim. I’ve realized that just because a relationship is important to you doesn’t mean it’s important to other people. Or, because you have high expectations for someone it doesn’t mean they have high expectations for themselves. It’s not about what other people do or how they act. It’s about what I do and how I react.

I still put forth 100% effort into everything I do but with more knowledge and experience behind it.  I have solid beliefs, but know there’s so much more to learn. I try to limit my opinions, unless asked or I am ranting to my husband. I am focused on giving my kids a great life and building my business. I am self confident and self aware. I make mistakes, I still don’t let them go.  I’m kind until you’re not, then I move on.

At age 25 I would hang on to relationships, jobs, people, everything,  trying to make them / it better. Now, it’s about me. A decade later I am building the life that I saw for myself back then (actually as a child) with the kind of people and purpose I saw in it. Frankly, I don’t give a damn. And, I like it.  My life by design requires me to be surrounded by people that respect me, inspire me, make me laugh and love my kids. Personally, I don’t think that is too much to ask for, but if it is?…we’re probably not friends. Can’t wait for 40!