Cheers to 40 Years Young

Yes, you read that right! Cheers to Forty!

Last month I celebrated a huge birthday milestone, forty freaking years, and when I say celebrated, I mean I celebrated pretty much the entire month. You could say I was making up for not being able to celebrate much last year because of the pandemic….or you could say I am a little extra. Regardless, you aren’t wrong. You’ve gotta go big at 40, right???!!!!!

Truth be told, this birthday did not freak me out one bit. I had lots of friends ask me about how I felt about hitting 40, and my answer was pretty much always a shrug. “It’s no different than any other year,” I would say because, to me, the thought of getting old hasn’t really bothered me. Now….if we went back in time to talk to 29 almost 30 year old Katie, she would’ve sung you a different tune, but honestly, this past decade has taught me so much that I welcomed in 40. I think deep down I was ready to say goodbye to such a hard decade in my life and move on to a decade that would be (hopefully) much better.

As I was sitting here reflecting on the past decade, I decided in typical Katie fashion to share some of my biggest lessons and takeaway from the past decade. As I mentioned, it was hard on me. Yes, there were lots of great things that I was able to be a part of and celebrate, but there were also some of the most heartbreaking and challenging moments that changed the landscape of who I am and will be….forever. I always try to take from whatever life throws at me and grow from it, and I also try to always share with all of you because I never know who could benefit from what I have to say.

So what did the decade spent in my thirties teach me?

1. You still aren’t going to use the Pythagorean theorem or really any Algebra, and taxes will still confuse you. This may never end.
2. Some nights having a cereal party and eating various kinds of cereal for dinner is really the best idea in the world. I don’t need a seven course meal to be happy. Bring me seven different kinds of cereal, and we’ve hit the jackpot.
3. It is perfectly okay to change careers if you are doing something that is not bringing you joy or passion….even if other people think it is crazy or silly. You’ve got to do something that lights a fire in your soul. Chase it down. Do not let that flame burn out.
4. It is very exciting to get carded for anything. Also, you probably will announce that you like it, too.
5. Tell the people in your life that you love them….always. You never know when it will be the last time you have the chance. Also, hug a lot.
6. Traditions will change, and it will get weird. Try to bring elements of the “old days” into whatever new tradition is going on in your life.
7. Friendships will change and some will end. Know that some people are meant to exit your life early, and that is ok….even friendships you have had for a very, very, very long time. It is ok for your circle to get smaller.
9. The best of times will show you the truth in others. So will the absolute rock bottom moments. When someone shows you who they truly are, believe them the first time. Then…..bless and release them from your life and move the eff on.

10. It is perfectly acceptable to spend an entire day crying and eating ice cream…sometimes that is how you cope in your 30s.
11. There is no timetable for life. So what if everyone else got married, had babies, bought a house, etc etc in their 30s. You can live your life how you want to and on the timetable that is best for YOU.
12. Online dating is weird. Who knew so many guys like to post selfies with fish?
13. Life is so much more enjoyable when you aren’t drunk all the time.
14. A lot of people try too hard on social media…..and not hard enough in real life. Never compare who you are to the highlight reel others like to show you.
15. It is exciting when your credit score improves…..also when you get coupons in the mail.
16. People will feel like they are entitled to all the tea in your life….but they aren’t. Boundaries are something you need to embrace, and it took me longer than it should've to discover that.
17. Spend more time focused on people and experiences than on things.
18. Take pictures…lots and lots of pictures, and videos, too. Some day memories will be all you have of those who love.
19. Invest in quality skincare…your skin will thank you. Trust me on this.
20. Drink lots of water, at least half of your bodyweight, daily. Yes, you will pee a ton, but the health benefits are worth it and your skin will also thank you for this.
21. Your metabolism may slow down (mine did at 32), but that doesn’t mean you have to.

22. We all have a “check knee” light that magically pops up in your 30s….also a light for back pain. Where were these ailments when I was younger doing weird parkour-ish things and acting like a maniac? Now I get off the couch and feel like I may need a chiropractic treatment.
23. Set goals for yourself. They aren’t just for the young kids out there. You’re wiser now….more focused. Make some crazy amazing things happen.
24. Wear the crop tops and clothing that makes you feel good. People will say it’s not age appropriate, but does it make you feel good? That’s all that matters. Same with glitter eyeshadow. Wear it if you love it. Whoever said you shouldn’t over 30 needs a stern talking to.
25. Get ready to have conversations about things like vitamins, health benefits, and gas prices. They start to matter more as you get older.
26. It is critical to have a great planner to organize the chaos of your life.
27. Congrats, you have a junk drawer full of shit you will never use.
28. Don’t stop growing or learning. In my 20s I spent a lot of time being reckless. In my 30s I tried to take from the situations I was given and learn from them. I started to read and listen to podcasts daily. It has been one of the best things I have done for myself.
29. You’re about to get financially owned every time there is a candle sale at Bath and Body Works because having a nice smelling house trumps having a clean house….am I right or am I right?
30. Your heart may break, but you can find great love again and be an even better partner, friend, lover, or spouse. Every ending is a new beginning……you are just starting it as a better version of yourself.

And most importantly…..Life is precious and can change in a nanosecond. Live every day as is it were your last, take risks, love hard, eat the donuts, wear the sequins, stay up late, go on the trips, be spontaneous, just do the things…..because you never know when that opportunity may be taken from you.

Thank you all for the love and birthday wishes. Most importantly, thank you for loving and supporting me during a challenging decade. Not all heroes wear capes.

And to my 30s…..thank you for showing me who I truly am, who I am meant to be, and making me stronger and better every single day.

Here’s to 40!