I am about to say something that I never thought I'd say. Well, I knew the day would come. However, I didn't realize how quickly it would sneak up on me. And I certainly never imagined announcing it to the world. Something inside pushed me to this point of admission ... so, here I go. Today, I turn 40. (Holy cow, I did it. Kay, are you surprised or what?)

Honestly, I thought I'd let this birthday slip by just like every other birthday. Then I thought, what a sad state of affairs to not own 40. I need to own 40. I want to own 40. After all, I earned the right to be 40! I worked hard to get here (and I'm hoping it's not all that evident on my face). While I've learned a lot, there is so much more to take in, to accomplish. I guess I thought, way back when, that the day I turned 40 would be an ever changing day — a day I would dread. And I promise I'm an optimist ... let me explain.

My age has always been directly tied to my son. Our birthdays are less than two weeks apart — 30 years in between, albeit. There has been this impending countdown to 40, practically since the day he was born. My son's birthday comes first so when he turned 5, I turned 35. When he turned 8, I turned 38. Guess what? He just turned 10. Both of my children have been broadcasting to all (even to people in passing at the grocery store) "my mom's turning 40" for the past 3 weeks. Yikers, can I catch a break from anyone? My own children, taunting me with this birthday ... but really, it's because they love me and they are proud of me.

The truth is, I am proud to be 40. And I couldn't be happier with the life I am leading — a life I was always meant to lead. Look at my beautiful children my husband and I are raising (okay, I am weeping at the moment and am about to get all emotional on you). Everything they have accomplished is an accomplishment of my own. That is powerful. I am them. They are me. You can tell a lot about a person by the people who surround them. Well, take a look ... it doesn't get any better than the love of my family, friends, clients and readers. These are the most beautiful people I know. People who make a difference everyday. To me.

I am no longer going to base my age on my children's ages. I am going to just live. To just be. Be in the moment. Be in every moment. And be proud to be 40! Hear me roar!