Note: This piece is part of our Long-form series, longer articles dedicated to more in-depth exploration of various topics.
When I was a kid, I thought that being an adult was something I?d grow into. Like magic, I?d one day transform into this power woman with a corporate job, her own flat, and who went on two dates a week. I would also have become better at Math, have a much-improved sense of direction, and be effortlessly fashionable. Truly, a woman who knew how to do life and a proper smoky eye.
But while waiting to truly feel like a grown-up, the craziest thing happened: I hit my 40s. Understand that I have several so-called trappings of adulthood ? [a] husband, daughter, driver?s license, TIN card, genuine diamond earrings, confidence, an ability to laugh at myself. But now that I?m in my 40s, I still feel like a teenager, which incidentally, is the age my daughter is at now. This can?t be normal. I was once told that my late 30s would be when I?d be the best version of myself: strongest, most beautiful, most accomplished. This turned out to be true.
I was also told later on that once I hit my 40s, aging would begin. From what I?ve experienced, this is also true (painfully so, might I add). Ten years ago, I had such good eyesight that I swore I had x-ray vision. Today, I don?t wear glasses (yet), nor do I have to adjust my phone?s text settings to LARGE but I?m aware that it may go there. Also, terrified of crow?s feet, I eye cream to death twice daily. And sunscreen...