This is 42
February 29, 2024 - Shauna Jurczak
I think it’s true when they say age is just a number - because I don’t feel 42. At least not the 42 I imagined when I was young. When I was 18 years old, 42 was “like, so old!” but now, I’m not so sure. I reflected on this as I wrapped up my last few days of 41:
While I got my hair done, covering my natural (gray) highlights, not to make myself look younger, but to sport a hair color I enjoy. Styling my hair made me feel fresh and full of life – not old.
Over a lovely wine date with my cousin, as we talked about having grown into empowered women, who were raised by extremely strong women. How we have grown up, established ourselves, and learned our worth – but we never referred to ourselves as old.
On my annual casino birthday date with my mom, having fun playing penny machines and betting fifty cents in the hopes of winning a few dollars. Laughing, celebrating, reminiscing – but not acting old (unless you count the fact that you have to be an adult to get into the casino!)
Celebrating my birthday at my sister’s house, eating a very special birthday cake, baked and decorated with a double dose of magic by my nephew, who, when I asked if he thought I was old, said “No. We’re all old”. Then again as the nephews climbed all over me, using me as a ladder while simultaneously reading books, and having a few tickles. I embraced my lively, happy, connected family – and not for a second did I feel old.
When I went to bed early, with Nathan joking to me about going to bed like an old lady, I saw it as a treat. After a jampacked weekend of fun, I was tired, and wanted to treat myself to a solid night’s sleep so I could get up and enjoy the next day – my first day of 42. Maybe that’s an old lady move, but I see it as wise woman’s treat to herself on her birthday - so again, not old!
I’m now a couple of weeks into 42. I mentioned to Nathan that I wasn't sure what being 42 is supposed to feel like, but if it was supposed to feel “old”, I'm not feeling it. In this new year of life, I’m recognizing that age may be a number, but life is a feeling.
41 was a year of growth, healing, closing old chapters, and preparing for the future. As I wrapped up 41, I felt the weight of some lingering things lift, leaving me with a renewed sense of hope, excitement, and confidence. I coined 2024 my “Get it Girl Era” and I’m easing into 42 feeling like I’ve never been more ready to get it.
Cheers to another year around the sun, shooting for the moon and shining like a star! This is 42.
