I am 36 today. That is a scary statement for many people (women especially) but I actually feel great about 36. I remember how turning 36 was portrayed in one of my favorite shows from back in the day, Sex and the City. It was not positive to say the least and seeing it in my twenties made me feel a bit apprehensive. I’m here now. No turning back. I actually don’t wish I was still in my twenties. Those years were fun, yet constantly fear-filled. I was not always confident in who I was or my right to have 
a seat at the table. Now, I believe in me, even if I know I may fail or be wrong at times. That is a major change in my personality that I embrace at 36.
I’m very comfortable in my skin right now. I’m eating properly, more than ever in my life. I have a perfect life partner, and my career is going pretty well. Could I be further professionally? Sure! Do I regret any professional choices I’ve made? Nope. I am happy and believe that my presence makes a difference for the clients I work with and the budding professionals I mentor. I travel more than most and my dual-city status is not something I could have envisioned, but like life, I am taking it all in stride.
I accept a lot of change and take more risks, but I know I need to push more to produce. I do feel I have one hurdle conquered and that is embracing the undeniable fact that I am getting older. I’m not fighting or lying about being mid to late thirties. I don’t accept that I am becoming less relevant or desirable as the clock ticks forward but that I am more beautiful than ever. Beautiful in the sense that the confidence and love I have in my life, I have delivered to myself.
Time is a human construct. It helps us to function and interact with each other. It is certainly necessary for meetings to start on time and for the world to go round. But, I don’t let it scare me anymore. I think back to year 25 and my pseudo quarter-life crisis when I was constantly lamenting about not being married or having a suitable prospect, not making a lot of money, and not being what I had envisioned I would be at that ripe old age. I chuckle at that now and wish someone had told me to Keep Calm and Carry On. I was in the Discovery phase during my twenties. Now, I’m hitting my stride in my thirties while still being a student of life. Learning or re-learning another language, expanding my networks, visiting far off locales, asserting my authority in my field, and taking more steps forward each day.
So, today, I celebrate the enlightenment, beauty, security, knowledge and contentment that 36 brings. And, I look forward to the next mile marker with overflowing exuberance. Bring it on life!
Leave a Reply