Over 40? These Little Things Hit Different Now

Some people say their lives didn't start until after 40. I would have to disagree because when I turned 40, I had a certifiable mental breakdown, or as my doctor called it, "a long manic episode".

Was it because the minute the clock struck midnight on the day I turned 40, my stomach could no longer digest dairy? Or perhaps it was the realization that it was going to be my job to figure out family meals until the day I die.

Personally, I think it was the looming shadow of death that followed me everywhere. Who knows.

But there's a light after 40: while huge chunks of joy are ripped away from you after turning the big 4-0, there are also little things that still make my old-as-hell self smile.

What little things bring my 40-something-year-old heart joy?

I'm glad you asked. Let's take a look.

• Front row parking: Living in Northern Colorado is crazy, and my mom says it's because everyone from California is moving here. So when I find a front-row spot at, say, the Target in Fort Collins, I get a little giddy. Sure, it isn't eating whatever I want without gaining any weight, but some days it's the only thing I have.
• Plans getting canceled at the last minute are the best thing in the world. No matter how excited I am in the days leading up to the planned date, I'm 100% sure I won't want to go on the day. It's science or something.
• An empty laundry basket. I have yet to experience this, but I hear it's mind-blowing.
• And rounding out the list I created myself is waking up in the middle of the night and seeing you still have two hours until the alarm goes off. Because even in my dreams I have to go to work.

Have a great night.