This is 38.

September 23, 2013 by Amy B

Today is my 38th birthday.

I started the day out by waking up 30 minutes late, which meant getting out on the road late for my four miler. There aren’t many runs left before the race, so I really don’t want to miss any. And on my birthday? I can’t think of a better way to begin the day.

It was cold, I felt rushed, and I’ll admit this wasn’t a stellar run by any means, but I got it done.

It’s funny what you think about on a birthday run. It’s silly, really, to think of different things than you would on any other day. Because even though I’m “officially” a year older, I don’t feel any differently than I did yesterday. And though we like to joke about being old and broken down, I feel pretty damn good these days.

For a long time I didn’t advertise my age (before the days of Facebook, when everyone knows how old you are). There were a lot of reasons for that, some personal ones I won’t get into on this blog, but I’ve decided it’s just silly. Because does it really matter how old I am? Is there anyone making judgments about me based on a number? (And if there are, it’s probably their problem, not mine. And don’t they have anything better to do?)

As I get older and more people I care about leave this earth, I’ve come to appreciate that I am still able to celebrate another birthday, and I think back to the many times in my life where the door could’ve slid in the other direction. Illnesses, car accidents, near misses…our lives are full of them and for the most part, we survive and move on.

Instead of getting all bent over turning 38 and being one year closer to 40, I’m going to be thankful for the chance to be older, for every day I’m able to spend with my family and friends and do the things I love.