40 Is Coming… and I Think I’m Ready (Kinda. Sorta. Maybe.)

So… I’m not 40 yet — but we’re close enough that I had to sit down and have a serious talk with my face in the mirror this morning like,
“Girl… are we doing this?”

She said yes. And then applied eye cream like her life depended on it.

Let me tell you what happened the other day.

I was walking through Target (a.k.a. my cardio), minding my business, when I caught a glimpse of myself in the security cam up on the ceiling.

And for a split second I thought, “Oh wow, she looks cute—wait…
IS THAT ME?!

Yes. Yes it was.

Wearing mom jeans, pushing a cart full of granola bars and Tums, and walking with the confidence of someone who’s paid bills, written a book, worked at a prestigious brain factory, and kept two small humans alive without losing her actual mind.

Also, I was wearing real pants. With a zipper.
Which, frankly, should count as a miracle.

So yes — 40 is approaching. And while part of me still feels like a 90s kid who’s just now figured out contouring, the rest of me is actually kind of excited.

I mean, I’ve done things.

I’ve:

• Raised two kids who think I’m their personal Google assistant, queen of reminders, alarm clock, captain “did you”, and most of all a mom-ster.
• Held down a job at a famous brain factory, where I am a professional adult™ (most days). And the rest of the team is Steve Jobs x 20 but they’re all amazing. 🤩
• And now? Grad school is on the horizon. Because clearly, I enjoy pain, challenge, and late-night existential questions.

And yes, my body may be 40ish, but she’s still out here giving 30-something energy — with a little extra stretching and Advil.

Lessons I’m Keeping (aka: What 39 Has taught Me Before She Packs Her Bags)

1. Water, boundaries, and 8 hours of sleep are non-negotiables.
   Also snacks. Don’t forget snacks.
2. Saying “no” doesn’t make me mean.
   It makes me someone who respects her peace — and that’s hot.
3. I don’t need alcohol to have a good time.
   Some of us are out here hyped off coffee, herbal tea, and deep, uninterrupted silence. And let me tell you… that’s elite.
4. Being busy is not a badge of honor.
5. I can look tired and still be fine.
   Let’s normalize looking like we’ve been through stuff — because we HAVE. And we still showed up.
6. I am allowed to celebrate myself without shrinking.
   Whether I’m turning 40, finishing a degree, or just folding the laundry the same day I washed it — I deserve a gold star and a group chat shoutout.

So yeah, 40 is coming. And I’m not afraid of her.

I’m proud of the life I’ve built, the skin I’m in, and the woman I’m becoming.
She’s smart. She’s spicy. She’s got goals and grocery lists.

And she might not remember what day it is, but she knows exactly who she is.

Let’s go, 40. I’ve been training for this.

xo,
Carolina Mom
(Soon-to-be 40, fabulous, and probably late for something.)