The Story of My Life Lately

I go to sleep—I’m cold. Then I’m hot. I wake up—I’m cold, then I’m hot again. My body is changing. I’m getting older.

It’s not that my mind feels old. In fact, I feel like the same person I’ve always been. But my body? It reminds me daily that time is passing. My joints ache, I can’t do certain exercises I used to love, and even moving a heavy punching bag in the garage recently left me with back pain. Things that once felt effortless now take so much more out of me.

I get tired more easily. It’s not because I don’t want to do things—my teenagers ask me to take them places, and my heart says yes every time. But the truth is, my energy doesn’t last like it used to. In my 20s and 30s, I could go nonstop with the kids. Now, in my 40s, I find myself slowing down.

And then there are the physical changes—like the sudden burst of white hairs. One season, I was losing hair like crazy, and the next, all the regrowth came in bright white.

Getting older comes with changes not only in our bodies, but in our mindset. We have to realign with this new version of ourselves. For me, growing up, people didn’t really talk about what it felt like to age, or how to prepare for it. And yet, here I am, walking through it—sometimes surprised, sometimes frustrated, but also deeply grateful.

Because alongside the challenges, there is beauty.

I’ve discovered a passion for gardening I never expected. In my 20s, I was all about adventures—sports, climbing, going out. But now? Give me a sunny afternoon, some flowers to plant, and I’m happier than I ever was at a party.

I’ve even learned to love cleaning. In my younger years, I couldn’t understand how older women seemed to keep their homes so effortlessly. Now, I find real peace in organizing and creating order. It brings me joy and calm in ways I never thought it could.

I’ve also noticed a shift in how I connect with people. In my 20s and 30s, I was the extrovert who wanted to be around people constantly. Now, I find my joy in being home—reading on the couch, writing, spending time in God’s Word, doing crafts, and soaking up the beauty of slow, intentional days with my family.

And you know what? I love it.

I truly believe my 40s, 50s, and beyond will be some of the best years of my life. I know who I am now. I know my values, my beliefs, and I’ve built much of what I once dreamed of when I was younger. Life feels brighter, richer, and more beautiful than ever.

So, if you’re reading this and feeling anxious about getting older, I want to encourage you there is so much hope. Middle age is beautiful. Every new decade brings changes, yes, but also new passions, new wisdom, and new adventures. I’m excited for the next 10, 20, 30, even 40 years ahead. Because life keeps unfolding, and it’s worth embracing every stage.