FORTY.

What have I learned in four decades? 

I've learned that the older I get, the less I know and that is the truth. I have learned that the true beauty in life is in everyday ordinary events like:

fresh baked banana bread even though it burned a little on the top....

dinner with everyone around the table 

friends talking you through your anxiety 

dancing in the kitchen with your kids

somehow getting your Jr. High son to school on time even though you left ten minutes late

having to go to the bathroom during class as a teacher and your friend and co-worker takes your class for you so you can

watching your kids do anything they enjoy, being their biggest cheerleaders and yelling with your whole heart and soul 

Every Sunday at Momma's and her yummy cooking

It's being surprised with a toothbrush and deodorant because you forgot it on the trip 

It's baby nephews

church on Sunday with old and new friends

it's a fresh Diet Coke from McDonald's

It's best friends who always show up

and taking off your bra at the end of the day...oh man there is NOTHING like it

Paying your bills on time

eating, laughing, talking, and spending time with anyone you love

loving wholly

it's making it through a week of parent teacher conferences so proud of the kids you work with every day and reassuring their parents they are doing an amazing job, because they are

it's a soak in the tub

it's art, and travel, and the whoosh of excitement my heart feels just thinking about it

it's the sun on my face

a run outside

and getting the dishes done

it's a hand written letter in the mail 

sisters

brothers

Mom and Dad

Family

Friends

It's working hard

and learning when to rest

it is learning that it is OK to be wrong, vulnerable, imperfect, and moody sometimes, that you are human and hopefully....still loved 

it's learning to lean on friends and family and it is OK to ask for help

it is waking up with a heart full of joy

and a gratitude journal next to your bed that you've only written in once...but had really good intentions

it's being at peace with your tummy and thighs and knowing that this season, this four decade season is one in which you are giving your time away to your littles and that is what matters

it's going to hot yoga and not really know what's going on so laying down on the mat for ten minutes and crying because you are tired and all emotional in child pose

it is laughing so hard in a meeting with your co-workers that your shoulders shake and no sound comes out

it's somehow magically throwing dinner together with the random stuff in the fridge 

its getting the car washed, and groceries bought on Saturday

tutor students that you love 

You see forty is ordinary. However, it is just that, the ordinary that is REALLY the extraordinary. Normal everyday life filled with love, friends, family, hopes, wishes, faith in the future. It is a miracle. Every single day is extraordinary. 

XOXO- FORTY. The Sunny D